What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun shinpai (worry) and the negative imperative form of the verb suru (to do), literally meaning "don't do worry".
Which one should you use?
While shinpai shinaide specifically tells someone not to feel anxiety, the phrase 大丈夫です is a more common way to say "no worries" in the sense of "it's fine" or "no problem" regarding a situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 心配しないで is casual and should be used with friends or peers, rather than superiors or strangers. For a formal way to say "no worries", you can use 心配いりません. For an informal way, you can use 気にしないで or 心配いらないよ.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end of 心配しないで makes the phrase a polite request rather than a casual command, meaning "please don't worry".
How do you pronounce it?
shinpai shinaide
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'worry' in 心配 literally combines the characters for 'heart' and 'divide', suggesting that anxiety splits one's focus or heart.
- In Japan, saying 'no worries' by telling someone not to worry can actually backfire, as it might imply that the person's concern was valid and that there is indeed something to be anxious about.
- Using 大丈夫です to say 'no worries' is so common that it has become a 'universal' response in Japan for everything from 'I am not hurt' to 'I do not need a plastic bag'.
Examples in context
- 心配いりませんし、間に合いますNo worries, I will meet the deadline.
- 心配しないで、大丈夫だよ。shinpai shinaide, daijoubu dayo.No worries, it's okay.
Example conversation
Ren apologizes to Yui for forgetting to bring a pen.
- 蓮 Renペンを忘れたよ。ごめんね。pen o wasureta yo. gomen ne.I forgot my pen. Sorry!
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。心配しないで。ii yo. shinpai shinaide.It's okay. No worries.
- 蓮 Ren貸してくれるの？ありがとう。kashite kureru no? arigatou.Will you lend me one? Thanks.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ、使ってね。ii yo, tsukatte ne.Sure, go ahead and use it.
