ce n'est rien
The English phrase "it is nothing" can be translated into French as ce n'est rien.
ce n'est rien is used as a polite response to tell someone that their thanks are not necessary. It can also be used to reassure someone that a small problem or accident is not a big deal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ce (it/this), n'est (is [not]) and rien (nothing).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While ce n'est rien is a polite response, the more common and slightly more informal way to say "you're welcome" or "it's nothing" is de rien.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken French, the ne in ce n'est rien is frequently dropped, resulting in the form c'est rien.
Did you know?
- The word rien comes from the Latin word 'rem', which actually meant 'thing'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'a thing' to 'no thing' and finally to 'nothing'.
- The phrase ce n'est rien is often accompanied by a small, dismissive wave of the hand to visually signal that the matter is insignificant.
- In very formal French, you might hear Je vous en prie instead of ce n'est rien. This translates literally as 'I pray you of it' and is the gold standard for high-level etiquette.
Examples in context
- Ce n'est rien de moins qu'une invasion.It is nothing less than an invasion.This sentence shows how to use ce n'est rien to emphasize a point.Tatoeba #11151748 by GuillaumeR, translation #42632 by orcrist
- Ce n'est rien pour moi.It is nothing to me.This sentence uses ce n'est rien to express that something has no significance to the speaker.Tatoeba #354612 by suika, translation #42386 by CM
- Désolé pour le retard. / C'est rien, t'inquiète.Sorry for being late. / It is nothing, don't worry about it.
- J'ai renversé un peu de vin sur ta chemise. / Pas de souci, ça s'enlève facilement.I spilled some wine on your shirt. / No worries, it comes off easily.
- Ce n'est rien, je vous en prie.It is nothing, please, don't mention it.
Example conversation
Lucas has helped Léa carry some heavy bags.
- LéaMerci beaucoup de m'avoir aidée, Lucas.Thank you very much for helping me, Lucas.
- LucasCe n'est rien, c'est normal.It is nothing, it's normal.
- LéaTu es vraiment très gentil.You are really very kind.
- LucasDe rien, à bientôt !You're welcome, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, rien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
