no es mi problema
/no es mi pɾoblema/from spelling rules
The English phrase "not my problem" is translated into Spanish as no es mi problema.
The phrase no es mi problema is used to state that a particular issue does not concern the speaker or is not their responsibility. Much like in English, this phrase can sound dismissive or even rude depending on the tone of voice and the context in which it is used.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, no es mi problema means "it is not my problem".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While no es mi problema is a direct way to express this, you can use more formal or indirect alternatives. No es asunto mío is a slightly more formal or indirect way to express that something does not concern you compared to no es mi problema. For an even more formal and indirect approach, you can say No está en mis manos, which means "it's not in my hands".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase no es problema mío is used to express "not my problem".
How do you pronounce it?
/no es mi pɾoblema/
Did you know?
- The word problema originates from the Ancient Greek word próblēma, which literally referred to a 'thrown' object or an 'obstacle' blocking one's path.
- In some contexts, Spanish speakers use the phrase no es mi problema with a shrug and a specific palms-up gesture to emphasize a total lack of responsibility.
Examples in context
- No es mi problema.Not my problem.This example shows a simple way to state no es mi problema.Tatoeba #2112166 by teskmon, translation #1983783 by Dejo
- Lo lamento, pero eso no es mi problema en realidad.I'm sorry, but that's really not my problem.Tatoeba #5577751 by marcelostockle, translation #2662830 by CK
- Si llegas tarde, no es mi problema.If you arrive late, it is not my problem.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the office, a colleague is complaining about a broken printer.
- AlejandroLa impresora no funciona y el jefe está enojado.The printer isn't working and the boss is angry.
- LucíaLo siento, pero eso no es mi problema.I'm sorry, but that is not my problem.
- Alejandro¡Qué fría eres, Lucía!You are so cold, Lucía!
- LucíaSolo digo que no es mi responsabilidad.I'm just saying it is not my responsibility.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, mi, no, problema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
