не лезь не в своё дело
ne lez' ne v svoyo delo
The English phrase "mind your business" can be translated into Russian as не лезь не в своё дело (ne lez' ne v svoyo delo).
не лезь не в своё дело is a sharp command used to tell someone to stop interfering in matters that do not concern them.
Which one should you use?
While не лезь не в своё дело is a sharp command, you may also encounter the informal phrase не твоё дело, which means "not your business" and is typically used with friends or people of the same age.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or diplomatic settings, it is better to use more polite alternatives such as Не вмешивайтесь в мои дела. (don't interfere in my affairs), Пожалуйста, не интересуйтесь моими делами. (please do not inquire about my affairs), or Прошу вас не лезть в мои дела. (I ask you not to meddle in my affairs) to maintain a respectful tone while asserting boundaries.
How do you pronounce it?
ne lez' ne v svoyo delo
Did you know?
- The verb лезть in this phrase literally means 'to climb' or 'to crawl'. Using it to tell someone to 'mind their business' creates a vivid image of someone physically trying to climb into a space where they do not belong.
- The word дело also shares a common root with the English word 'doom'.
Examples in context
- Не вмешивайтесь в мои дела, пожалуйста.Please do not interfere in my affairs.
Example conversation
Andrey asks Maria about a private phone call.
- Андрей AndreyС кем ты там так долго говорила?S kem ty tam tak dolgo govorila?Who were you talking to for so long?
- Мария MariaАндрей, не лезь не в своё дело.Andrey, ne lez' ne v svoyo delo.Andrey, mind your own business.
- Андрей AndreyЯ просто хотел узнать.Ya prosto khotel uznat'.I just wanted to know.
- Мария MariaЭто не твоё дело.Eto ne tvoyo delo.It's none of your business.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries в, дело, не, CC BY-SA 4.0.
