신경 쓰지 마
singyeong sseuji ma
The English phrase "never mind" can be translated into Korean as 신경 쓰지 마 (singyeong sseuji ma).
신경 쓰지 마 is used to tell someone not to be concerned about someone or something, or about doing something. While 신경 쓰지 마 is a direct and casual way to express this, you can also use 괜찮아 to mean "It's okay" or "Never mind" among friends and peers.
Meaning: do not be concerned (about someone or something, or about doing something) (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In polite or formal settings, use 신경 쓰지 마세요 to say "never mind" or "don't worry about it".
How do you pronounce it?
singyeong sseuji ma
Did you know?
- The word 신경 (singyeong), meaning 'nerve', literally translates to 'spirit path' or 'spirit passage' when viewed through its Sino-Korean roots. It implies that your attention is a path through which your spirit flows.
- In high-stress social situations, Koreans may use a gesture of waving a hand in front of their chest while saying 신경 쓰지 마 to visually 'brush away' the concern.
- In Korean, the phrase 신경 쓰다 (singyeong sseuda) literally means 'to apply/use nerves'. This is a common way to describe the act of paying attention or being bothered by something.
Examples in context
- 사용하지 않는 거라고 했지만 상관없습니다.I said I don't use it, but never mind.
- 너무 걱정하지마, 신경 쓰지 마.Don't worry too much, never mind.
- 신경 쓰지 마.singyeong sseuji ma.Never mind.
- 내 말은 신경 쓰지 마.nae mareun singyeong sseuji ma.Don't worry about what I said.
- 실수는 신경 쓰지 마.sil suneun singyeong sseuji ma.Don't worry about the mistake.
Example conversation
Ji-eun apologizes to Do-hyeon for making a small mistake at work.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 정말 미안해요.Do-hyeon ssi, jeongmal mianhaeyo.Do-hyeon, I am really sorry.
- 도현 Do-hyeon괜찮아요, 신경 쓰지 마요.Gwaenchannayo, singyeong sseuji mayo.It's okay, don't worry about it.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 괜찮으세요?Jeongmal gwaenchaneuseyo?Are you really okay?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 신경 쓰지 마요.Ne, singyeong sseuji mayo.Yes, don't worry about it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 마, 신경, CC BY-SA 4.0.
