semmi gond
[ˈʃɛmːi ˈɡond]word by word
The English phrase "no problem" can be translated into Hungarian as semmi gond.
This phrase is used to dismiss an apology or to indicate that a request is easy to fulfill, signaling that no apology is necessary.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of semmi, meaning "no" or "nothing" and gond, meaning "trouble", "problem" or "worry".
Which one should you use?
While semmi gond is a common way to express this, Nincs probléma is a direct translation of "no problem".
Did you know?
- The word gond is an outlier in the Hungarian language because its exact origin is unknown. Unlike many Hungarian words with clear roots in Finno-Ugric or borrowed sources, this word remains a linguistic mystery.
- While semmi gond is common, Hungarians may respond to a 'thank you' with szívesen, which means 'with pleasure'. Using semmi gond in this context can sometimes sound as if the speaker is focusing on the absence of a problem rather than the joy of helping.
- When someone says semmi gond to accept an apology, they are literally stating that there is 'nothing [of] worry'. This focuses the response on the internal state of the speaker rather than the external situation, unlike the English 'no problem'.
Examples in context
- Mint mondtam, semmi gond.As I said, no problem.This example shows how to use semmi gond to repeat a previous statement.Tatoeba #10924225 by H_Liliom, translation #10665329 by sundown
- Semmi gond.No problem at all!This example uses semmi gond to express that there is no problem at all.Tatoeba #4421569 by maaster, translation #21085 by blay_paul
- Semmi gond. Várunk rád türelmesen!No problem. We'll wait for you patiently!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tamás accidentally knocks over Anna's water bottle.
- TamásBocsánat Anna, véletlenül tippedem a vizet!Sorry Anna, I accidentally tipped the water!
- AnnaSemmi gond, Tamás, már törlöm.No problem, Tamás, I'm wiping it up already.
- TamásTényleg nagyon sajnálom.I really am sorry.
- AnnaTényleg semmi gond, ne aggódj.It's really no problem, don't worry.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (semmi, gond) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gond, semmi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
