唔緊要
m4 gan2 jiu3
In Cantonese, "never mind" is translated as 唔緊要 (m4 gan2 jiu3).
The phrase 唔緊要 is used to dismiss a mistake, an apology or a trivial problem. It functions similarly to saying "it's okay" or "don't worry about it".
Meaning: do not be concerned (about someone or something, or about doing something) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 唔緊要 literally means "it is not a pressing matter". It is composed of 唔 (not), 緊 (tight/pressing/important) and 要 (need/matter).
Which one should you use?
While 唔緊要 is used to reassure someone that a mistake is not a problem, the phrase 冇所謂 is used to express indifference or that one has no preference between options.
How do you pronounce it?
m4 gan2 jiu3
Did you know?
- While 唔緊要 dismisses a mistake, Cantonese speakers often use the phrase 唔緊要 as a polite way to decline a gift or a favor without sounding rude.
- While 唔緊要 means 'it is not a pressing matter', the word 緊 can also mean 'tight' when describing how a screw is turned or how a knot is tied.
- The word 唔 used in 唔緊要 is a distinct Cantonese negation that differs from the standard Mandarin negation 不.
Examples in context
- 唔緊要，我可以用自己嘅手機。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 ho2 ji5 jung6 zi6 gei2 ge3 sau2 gei2.Never mind, I can use my own phone.
- 唔緊要，遲少少都得。m4 gan2 jiu3, ci4 siu2 siu2 dou1 dak1.Never mind, a little bit late is fine.
- 唔緊要，我唔係好餓。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 m4 hai6 hou2 ngo6.Never mind, I'm not very hungry.
Example conversation
Ya Ting accidentally forgot to bring a pen for Jun Kit.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting對唔住，我唔記得帶筆畀你。deoi3 m4 zyu6, ngo5 m4 gik3 dak1 daai3 bat1 bei2 nei5.Sorry, I forgot to bring a pen for you.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit唔緊要，我可以借人嘅。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 ho2 ji5 ze3 jan4 ge3.Never mind, I can borrow someone else's.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting真係唔好意思。zan1 hai6 m4 hou2 ji3 si1.I'm really sorry.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit唔緊要啦，唔使在意。m4 gan2 jiu3 laa1, m4 sai2 zai3 ji3.It's okay, don't worry about it.
