What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of zenzen (completely/not at all), mondai (problem) and arimasen (does not exist).
Which one should you use?
While zenzen is often used with negative verbs to mean "not at all", in modern colloquial Japanese, it is also frequently used with positive adjectives to mean "completely". However, the negative construction used in 全然問題ありません is the grammatically standard way to express "no problem at all".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 全然問題ありません is polite and suitable for use with superiors, customers or in professional settings. For informal situations, you can use 問題ないよ to mean "no problem at all" or 大丈夫だよ to mean "It's okay" or "No worries". The slightly more formal 問題ありません simply means "no problem".
How does it change in a sentence?
In informal speech, the polite arimasen is replaced with the plain form nai, resulting in 全然問題ない.
How do you pronounce it?
zenzen mondai arimasen
Did you know?
- If you are responding to a thank you rather than a request, using 問題ありません might actually sound a bit strange. In those cases, Japanese speakers usually prefer いえいえ (ie ie), which translates to 'no, no'.
- In a very formal business setting, instead of saying 問題ありません, one might use 差し支えございません (sashitsukae gozaimasen). This phrase literally means 'there is no hindrance' and sounds much more sophisticated to a Japanese ear.
- If you want to say 'no problem' to a customer, using the phrase 問題ありません is safe, but many Japanese service workers prefer using 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu). This is because 'problem' can sometimes sound too heavy or confrontational in a service context.
Examples in context
- 全然問題ありません。zenzen mondai arimasen.It is no problem at all.
- その日程で全然問題ありません。sono nittei de zenzen mondai arimasen.That schedule is no problem at all.
- 少しくらいの遅刻は全然問題ありません。sukoshi kurai no chikoku wa zenzen mondai arimasen.Being a little late is no problem at all.
Example conversation
A coworker asks if they can change a meeting time.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、会議の時間を少し変更してもいいですか？Kenta-san, kaigi no jikan o sukoshi henko shite mo ii desu ka?Kenta, is it okay if I change the meeting time a little bit?
- 健太 Kentaはい、全然問題ありませんよ。Hai, zenzen mondai arimasen yo.Yes, it's no problem at all.
- 陽葵 Himari助かります。ありがとうございます。tasukarimasu. arigatou gozaimasu.That helps. Thank you.
- 健太 Kentaいえいえ、気にしないでください。Iie ie, ki ni shinaide kudasai.No, no, please don't worry about it.
