всем всё равно
The English phrase "no one cares" can be translated into Russian as всем всё равно.
всем всё равно is used to express that no one cares. It can be used to convey genuine indifference within a group or as a cynical and dismissive remark about a situation. Other ways to express similar ideas include Мало кто обращает внимание to suggest that very few people pay attention to something, or the informal Никому не важно to casually say nobody cares. If you want to imply a matter holds no interest, you might say Ну и что? (So what?) or use Кому это надо? (Who needs it?) to suggest a matter is not worth attention.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase всем всё равно literally translates to "to everyone everything is equal". In this context, равно (equal) implies that the subject matter has no weight or difference in importance to the people involved.
Which one should you use?
While всем всё равно means "no one cares" (referring to everyone), if you want to say specifically "I don't care", you should use мне всё равно.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase всем всё равно, the word всем is the dative case of все (everyone), which is required because the expression functions as "it is equal to everyone". The phrase всё равно acts as an adverbial predicate meaning "it is all the same" or "it doesn't matter".
Did you know?
- To express a more aggressive 'I don't care', Russians might use the phrase мне по барабану, which literally means 'it is like a drum to me'.
- While всем всё равно means 'no one cares', Russian has a specific word тоска (toska) for a spiritual anguish or longing that no amount of indifference can cure.
- In Russian literature, such as the works of Dostoevsky, the state of 'indifference' expressed by всё равно is often portrayed as a moral failure or a symptom of spiritual crisis.
Examples in context
- Всем всё равно, что думает Том.No one cares what Tom thinks.This example shows how to use the phrase to describe what someone else thinks.Tatoeba #6362862 by marafon, translation #5939650 by CK
- Всем всё равно.No one cares.This is a short way to say "No one cares".Tatoeba #5879808 by marafon, translation #1773913 by Spamster
- Ну и что? Мне все равноSo what? I don't care.
- Всем всё равно, если мы опоздаем.Vsem vsyo ravno, yesli my opozdayem.No one cares if we are late.
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are discussing a minor office drama.
- Андрей AndreyТы слышала, что сказал начальник?Ty slyshala, chto skazal nachal'nik?Did you hear what the boss said?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, но всем всё равно.Da, no vsem vsyo ravno.Yes, but no one cares.
- Андрей AndreyТы права, это не важно.Ty prava, eto ne vazhno.You're right, it doesn't matter.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДавай просто продолжим работать.Davay prosto prodolzhim rabotat'.Let's just get back to work.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
