Translation guide
The phrase 'doesn't matter' is used to indicate that something is unimportant, irrelevant, or not a concern. In Japanese, this is expressed through various phrases and sentence patterns depending on the context, such as dismissing a choice, downplaying a problem, or saying 'whatever'.
To say that a particular fact, choice, or situation is not important or does not affect the outcome.
A common casual phrase meaning 'it doesn't matter' or 'I don't care'. Can sound dismissive or indifferent. Use with caution in polite settings.
どっちでもどうでもいいよ。
Either one doesn't matter.
Literally 'I don't mind', used to say that something doesn't matter or is acceptable. More polite than どうでもいい.
どちらでも構いません。
Either one doesn't matter. / I don't mind either.
Means 'it's not related' or 'it has nothing to do with it'. Used when something is irrelevant to the matter at hand.
それは関係ないよ。
That doesn't matter. (It's irrelevant.)
Means 'it's not a problem'. Used to dismiss a concern or say that something is not an issue.
お金は問題じゃない。
Money doesn't matter. (It's not a problem.)
Specifically for choices: 'either is fine' or 'it doesn't matter which'. Very common in casual speech.
どっちでもいいよ。
It doesn't matter which one.
To say that a past action or event is not important, often to reassure someone.
Means 'don't worry about it' or 'it doesn't matter'. Used to tell someone not to be concerned about a mistake or offense.
気にしないで、大丈夫だから。
It doesn't matter, it's fine.
A very casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'it doesn't matter'. Often used to forgive a minor mistake.
あ、ごめん！ーいいよ。
Oh, sorry! — It doesn't matter.
To show a lack of interest or concern, often in a dismissive way.
As above, but with a stronger dismissive tone. Can be rude if used inappropriately.
もうどうでもいい。
I don't care anymore. / It doesn't matter anymore.
Literally 'I don't know', but can be used to mean 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter to me'. Very blunt.
Can sound very rude. Use only with close friends or in heated situations.
そんなの知らない。
I don't care about that. / That doesn't matter to me.
The English phrase 'doesn't matter' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 問題ではない (もんだいではない) or 重要じゃない (じゅうようじゃない) are grammatically correct but often sound unnatural or overly formal. Use the idiomatic expressions provided instead.
どうでもいい is casual and can sound indifferent or dismissive. 構わない is more neutral and polite, suitable for formal situations. Choose based on the relationship and context.