pas de problème
/pa d(ə) pʁɔ.blɛm/
The English phrase "not a problem" is translated into French as pas de problème.
This phrase is a polite expression used to communicate that a request is easy to fulfill or to signal that an apology is accepted. It can mean "it's okay" when responding to someone's apology, or "I can do that easily" when agreeing to a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "no problem". The part pas de means "no" or "none of" within a negative construction.
Which one should you use?
While pas de problème is common, you can use aucun problème to add emphasis, which suggests there is absolutely no issue whatsoever.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pas de problème is considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations rather than highly formal professional settings. For a more formal way to say "it's a pleasure," you can use C'est avec plaisir. In informal settings, you might also encounter Pas de souci (no worries), Aucun problème (no problem) or T'inquiète pas (don't worry).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the variation Pas de trouble is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/pa d(ə) pʁɔ.blɛm/
Did you know?
- In old French, speakers could use other nouns for negatives instead of pas, such as goutte for 'a drop' or mie for 'a crumb'.
- In very casual French, the phrase pas de souci has become so popular that some linguistic purists view it as an English-influenced import similar to 'no worries'.
- While pas de problème is common across the French-speaking world, speakers in Quebec often use pas de trouble, adapting the English word 'trouble' into their local dialect.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que tu peux me prêter ton stylo ? – Aucun problème.Can you lend me your pen? – No problem.
- Pas de problème, je peux t'aider.Not a problem, I can help you.
- Tu arrives en retard ? Pas de problème !You're arriving late? Not a problem!
- Puis-je utiliser ton téléphone ? Pas de problème.Can I use your phone? Not a problem.
Example conversation
Emma asks Nathan for a favor at the office.
- EmmaNathan, peux-tu imprimer ce document pour moi ?Nathan, can you print this document for me?
- NathanOui, pas de problème, Emma.Yes, not a problem, Emma.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, that's very kind.
- NathanDe rien, c'est normal.You're welcome, it's no big deal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pas de problème, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, pas, problème, CC BY-SA 4.0.
