没关系
The English phrase "it is okay" can be translated into Chinese as 没关系.
没关系 is most commonly used as a response to an apology to indicate that no offense was taken or that the mistake is not a problem. It can also be used to mean "no problem" or "it doesn't matter."
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 没关系 means "no relation" or "it has no connection" to the matter at hand.
Which one should you use?
While 没关系 is a standard response to an apology, 没事 is a more colloquial way to say "it's nothing" or "I'm fine" when someone asks if you are hurt or if something is wrong.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern China, particularly in Beijing and Tianjin, people commonly use 没事儿. In the southwestern regions of China, the phrase 没啥事 is more prevalent and has the same meaning as 没什么.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where "it is okay" requires a subject and a verb, 没关系 functions as a complete, standalone phrase in Chinese.
Did you know?
- While 没关系 is used to accept an apology, it is rarely used to agree with a suggestion. If someone asks 'Is it okay if we eat now?', replying with 没关系 would sound like you are forgiving them for a mistake.
- The word 关系 inside this phrase is a central concept in Chinese society, referring to the complex network of social connections and mutual obligations that govern business and personal life.
- In some contexts, repeating the phrase as 没关系, 没关系 can subtly signal that the speaker is actually slightly annoyed, even though the words themselves are forgiving.
Examples in context
- 没问题，我很乐意帮助你。No problem, I'm happy to help you.
- 没关系，我们都会犯错的。It's okay, we all make mistakes.
- 没事，不要紧。It's okay, no worries.
- 没什么，用完就还给我吧。It's nothing, just return it to me when you're done.
- 没关系，我不介意。Méiguānxì, wǒ bù jièyì.It is okay, I don't mind.
- 没关系，下次再来吧。Méiguānxì, xià cì zài lái ba.It is okay, please come again next time.
- 没关系，我可以自己处理。Méiguānxì, wǒ kěyǐ zìjǐ chǔlǐ.It is okay, I can handle it myself.
Example conversation
Haoran accidentally bumps into Jiayi in the hallway.
- 浩然 Haoran对不起，佳怡！duì bù qǐ, jiā yí!I'm sorry, Jiayi!
- 佳怡 Jiayi没关系，浩然。méi guān xi, hào rán.It is okay, Haoran.
- 浩然 Haoran你没受伤吧？nǐ méi shòu shāng ba?You aren't hurt, are you?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我没事，谢谢。wǒ méi shì, xiè xie.I'm fine, thanks.
