What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of nema, meaning "there is no" or "there are no" and problema, meaning "problem" or "problems".
Which one should you use?
While nema problema is used to say no problem after an apology, if you want to say "don't mention it" or "you're welcome" in response to a thank you, the more standard phrase is nema na čemu.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nema problema is a colloquial expression. In more casual settings, you might hear nema frke or bez brige, which both mean no problem or don't worry.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dalmatia region, people often use the informal phrase nema frke to convey no problem. In Istria, you might hear the variation nema beda to mean the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word problema is the genitive singular form of the word for problem, which is required because it follows the negation nema.
Did you know?
- Croatian uses the genitive case for problema after nema because the language treats negated existence as a quantity of zero. Since you cannot have 'zero' of a nominative object, the grammar shifts to the case used for measurements.
- The slang term frka in nema frke originally refers to a state of panic or a sudden rush. Using it to mean 'no problem' essentially tells the other person that there is no need to panic.
- The word briga in bez brige can also mean 'care' or 'concern'. Depending on the context, the phrase can shift from 'no problem' to a more emotional 'don't be concerned'.
Examples in context
- Nema problema!No problem!This example shows the phrase used with an exclamation mark.Tatoeba #4719287 by hinto4, translation #413611 by blay_paul
- Nema problema.No problem.This example shows the phrase used with a full stop.Tatoeba #11992847 by Adelpa, translation #551443 by CM
- Nema problema, razumijem te.No problem, I understand you.
Example conversation
Ivan accidentally bumps into Petra in a hallway.
- IvanOprosti, Petre, nisam te vidio.Sorry, Petra, I didn't see you.
- PetraNema problema, Ivane.No problem, Ivan.
- IvanJesi li dobro?Are you okay?
- PetraJesam, sve je u redu.I am, everything is fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
