ไม่เป็นไร
mâi-bpen-rai/maj˥˩.pen˧.raj˧/
The phrase "no worries" in Thai is translated as ไม่เป็นไร (mâi-bpen-rai).
ไม่เป็นไร is a highly versatile phrase used to mean "no worries", "it's okay" or "you're welcome". You can use it to respond to someone saying thank you, to accept an apology or to signal that a request for a favor is no problem.
Meaning: it does not bother me (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: mâi (not), bpen (to be) and rai (anything/matter), which literally means "it is nothing" or "it is not a matter".
Which one should you use?
While ไม่เป็นไร is used to dismiss a problem or an apology, it is different from mâi-châi, which is used for factual negation such as saying "it is not a cat".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ไม่เป็นไร is an informal way to say "no worries". To make the phrase polite, add the particle kráp if you are a male speaker or kâ if you are a female speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mâi-bpen-rai. The IPA is /maj˥˩.pen˧.raj˧/.
Did you know?
- Thai people may say ไม่เป็นไร even when they are actually upset, as a way to save face for both parties and keep the atmosphere pleasant.
- While ไม่เป็นไร is used for 'no worries', if someone offers you something and you say ไม่เป็นไร, you are politely declining the offer.
- The phrase is so deeply embedded in Thai culture that it reflects a social preference for 'mai pen rai' attitude, which emphasizes flexibility and avoiding conflict.
Examples in context
- ไม่เป็นไร ผมเข้าใจmai pen rai phom khao chaiNo worries, I understand.
- ไม่เป็นไร เรื่องเล็กน้อยมากmai pen rai rueang lek noi makNo worries, it is a very small matter.
- ไม่เป็นไร อย่าคิดมากเลยmai pen rai ya khit mak loeiNo worries, don't overthink it.
Example conversation
A colleague apologizes for being late to a meeting.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritขอโทษที่มาสายนะkho thot thi ma sai naSorry for being late.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinไม่เป็นไร ฉันรอได้mai pen rai chan ro daiNo worries, I can wait.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritขอบคุณมากที่เข้าใจนะkhop khun mak thi khao chai naThank you so much for understanding.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinยินดีค่ะyin di khaYou're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ไม่เป็นไร, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
