気にしないで
kini shinaide
In Japanese, 'nevermind' is expressed as 気にしないで (kini shinaide).
This phrase is used specifically to reassure someone who is apologizing or expressing concern about a minor error or inconvenience.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 気にしないで is informal and is used in casual settings with friends or peers. For a more formal or business setting, you should use the respectful version お気になさらないでください. You may also use ご心配なく to say 'please don't worry'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end of 気にしないで makes the phrase a polite request rather than a casual command, resulting in 気にしないでください.
How do you pronounce it?
kini shinaide
Did you know?
- The word 気 in 気にしないで refers to 'spirit' or 'energy'. To say 'nevermind' is literally to tell someone not to let the situation occupy their internal energy.
- If you say 気にしないで to a superior or a customer, it may actually sound rude because it functions like a casual command. In professional Japanese culture, telling a boss 'don't worry about it' can imply that you are in a position to judge their feelings.
- In highly formal Japanese, the phrase お気になさらないでください is often accompanied by a slight bow to signal sincerity and ensure the other person truly stops worrying.
Examples in context
- 気にしないで。ki ni shinaide.Nevermind.
- ミスは気にしないでください。misu wa ki ni shinaide kudasai.Please don't worry about the mistake.
- そんなに気にしないで。sonna ni ki ni shinaide.Don't worry about it so much.
Example conversation
Yota accidentally bumps into Himari while walking.
- 陽太 Yotaごめん！ぶつかってしまった。Gomen! Butsukatte shimatta.Sorry! I bumped into you.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫だよ。気にしないで。Daijoubu dayo. Kinishinaide.It's okay. Nevermind.
- 陽太 Yota本当にいいの？Hontou ni ii no?Are you really sure?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、全然いいよ。Un, zenzen ii yo.Yeah, it's totally fine.
