What does it mean word for word?
The phrase لا تقلق is composed of lā (do not) and taqlaq (you worry).
Which one should you use?
لا تقلق means "don't worry," whereas لا داعي للقلق means "there's no need to worry." For a more casual way to say "no problem" or "no worries," use ما في مشكلة. The slang expression ما عليك translates to "not on you" and is used to mean "no worries" or "it's not your concern."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Formal situations may require لا تقلق or the even more classical لا عليك, which means "no worries" or "it is nothing." For a very formal way to say "there is no need to worry," use لا داعي للقلق. In contrast, ما في مشكلة is an informal way to express "no problem" or "no worries," and ما عليك is considered slang.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on whom you are addressing. To address a female, use لا تقلقي instead of لا تقلق. To address a group of people, use لا تقلقوا.
How do you pronounce it?
lā taqlaq
Did you know?
- While لا تقلق is used for 'no worries', the Arabic language often uses religious phrases like الحمد لله ('praise be to God') to signal that everything is fine and there is no need for worry.
- In many Arabic dialects, the 'no worries' sentiment is expressed through the word عادي ('adi'). While it literally means 'ordinary', it is used to dismiss a mistake as 'no big deal'.
- The formal version لا عليك is an elliptical phrase. It implies a hidden word meaning 'blame' or 'burden', essentially saying 'there is no blame upon you'.
Examples in context
- لا تقلق، أنا بخير.la taqlaq, ana bikhayr.No worries, I am fine.
- لا تقلق، الأمر بسيط.la taqlaq, al-amr basit.No worries, it is a simple matter.
- لا تقلق، سأساعدك.la taqlaq, sa-usa'iduka.No worries, I will help you.
Example conversation
Ahmed accidentally spills a little water on the table.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا آسف يا ليلى، لقد سكبت الماء.ana asif ya Layla, laqad sakabtu al-ma.I am sorry Leila, I spilled the water.
- ليلى Laylaلا تقلق، الأمر بسيط جداً.la taqlaq, al-amr basit jiddan.No worries, it is a very simple thing.
- أحمد Ahmedسأقوم بتنظيفه الآن.sa-aqumu bitandhifihi al-an.I will clean it up now.
- ليلى Laylaلا بأس، لا داعي للاعتذار.la ba's, la da'iya lil-i'tidhar.It is okay, there is no need to apologize.
