문제없어요
munjeeopseoyo
In Korean, "no problem" is expressed as 문제없어요 (munjeeopseoyo).
This phrase is used to reassure someone that an apology or a concern is unnecessary.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 문제 (problem) and 없어요 (does not exist/there is no).
Which one should you use?
You might use 상관없습니다 to mean "It doesn't matter" or "It's of no concern" or 걱정하지 마세요 to say "Don't worry" or "Don't be concerned".
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal version 문제없습니다 is used in professional settings or when speaking to superiors. The informal version 문제없어 is used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
munjeeopseoyo
Did you know?
- The word 문제 (problem) is also used in Korean to describe a 'question' on an exam. If you say 문제없어 during a test, it could be jokingly interpreted as 'there are no questions' rather than 'no problem'.
- While 문제없어요 means 'no problem', Koreans often respond to a 'thank you' with 아니에요, which literally means 'it is not'. This reflects a cultural tendency to deny the favor or the praise to remain humble.
- In Korean text messaging, people often shorten phrases or use different tones, so saying 문제없음 (the noun form) can make the 'no problem' feel very blunt or efficient.
Examples in context
- 네, 걱정하지 마세요. 가능합니다.Yes, don't worry. It's possible.
- 네, 상관없습니다. 감사합니다.Yes, it doesn't matter. Thank you.
- 괜찮아, 시간이 조금 늦어도 괜찮아.No problem, it's fine even if you're a little late.
- 문제 없어, 다음에 조심하면 돼.No problem, just be careful next time.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo accidentally bumped into Subin in a hallway.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo앗, 죄송합니다!at, joesonghamnida!Oh, I'm sorry!
- 수빈 Su-bin괜찮아요, 문제없어요.gwaenchannayo, munje-eopseoyo.It's okay, no problem.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 괜찮으신가요?jeongmal gwaenchaneusingayo?Are you really okay?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 정말로 괜찮아요.ne, jeongmallo gwaenchannayo.Yes, I'm really fine.
