没关系
mei guan xi
The English phrase 'nevermind' can be expressed in Chinese as 没关系 (mei guan xi).
The phrase is used to tell someone that a mistake or a problem is not important and is forgiven.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 没 (not have), 关 (gate/relation) and 系 (connection/relation), literally meaning 'there is no connection/relation' to the issue at hand.
Which one should you use?
While 没关系 is a standard way to say 'nevermind' or 'it doesn't matter' after an apology, the colloquial alternative 没事 is often used to mean 'it's nothing' or 'I'm fine'. Additionally, 别管了 functions as 'don't bother' and 算了 functions as 'let it go'.
How does it change in a sentence?
没关系 is used as a complete sentence to respond to an apology or to dismiss a minor issue.
How do you pronounce it?
mei guan xi
Did you know?
- While 没关系 is the standard response to an apology, saying it with a heavy sigh or a sharp tone can actually signal that you are deeply offended and that the matter is, in fact, very important.
- The character 系 (xi) in 没关系 is a high-frequency word in mathematics and logic, meaning 'system' or 'coefficient', which adds a layer of structural meaning to the phrase.
- If you want to sound more like a local in Northern China, specifically Beijing, you might use the phrase 没事儿 (mei shi'er) with a distinct 'r' sound at the end to mean 'it is nothing'.
Examples in context
- 对不起，我迟到了。没关系 (Duìbuqǐ, wǒ chídào le. Méi guānxi)Sorry, I'm late. It's okay.
- 你的帮助对我很重要，但如果你忙的话，不要紧 (Nǐ de bāngzhù duì wǒ hěn zhòngyào, dàn rúguǒ nǐ máng de huà, bú yào jǐn)Your help is important to me, but if you're busy, it's alright.
- 没关系，这个错误不要紧 (Méi guānxi, zhège cuòwù bú yào jǐn)Nevermind, this mistake is not a big deal.
- 别管了，我自己来吧 (Bié guǎn le, wǒ zìjǐ lái ba)Nevermind, I'll handle it myself.
- 我们已经晚了，别管了 (Wǒmen yǐjīng wǎn le, bié guǎn le)We are already late, nevermind.
- 这个问题太难了，算了吧 (Zhège wèntí tài nán le, suàn le ba)This question is too difficult, forget about it.
- 算了，我不想再谈这个了 (Suán le, wǒ bùxiǎng zài tán zhège le)Nevermind, I don't want to talk about it anymore.
- 对不起！- 没关系。Sorry! – Nevermind / It's okay.
- 没关系，这不是你的错。Méiguānxì, zhè bùshì nǐ de cuò.Nevermind, this is not your fault.
- 没关系，我可以再试一次。Méiguānxì, wǒ kěyǐ zài shì yīcì.Nevermind, I can try one more time.
- 没关系，别担心了。Méiguānxì, bié dānxīn le.Nevermind, don't worry about it.
Example conversation
Haoran accidentally spills some water on Zihan's desk.
- 浩然 Haoran对不起，梓涵，我把水弄洒了。duì bù qǐ, Zǐ hán, wǒ bǎ shuǐ nòng sǎ le.I'm sorry, Zihan, I spilled the water.
- 梓涵 Zihan没关系，我可以把它擦干净。méi guān xi, wǒ kě yǐ bǎ tā cā gān jìng.Nevermind, I can wipe it clean.
- 浩然 Haoran真的非常抱歉。zhēn de fēi cháng bào qiàn.I am really very sorry.
- 梓涵 Zihan没关系，浩然，不用担心。méi guān xi, Hào rán, bú yòng dān xīn.Nevermind, Haoran, don't worry about it.
