Translation guide
A reassuring phrase used to tell someone not to be concerned. Japanese expressions vary by formality, relationship, and whether you are dismissing thanks, calming anxiety, or downplaying a mistake.
Calm someone's worry or fear about a situation.
Casual and direct. Use with friends, family, or people of equal/lower status.
大丈夫だから、心配しないで。
It's okay, so don't worry.
Polite form. Suitable for most situations with acquaintances, colleagues, or strangers.
すぐに治りますから、心配しないでください。
It will heal soon, so please don't worry.
Literally 'don't mind it.' Casual. Often used to tell someone not to dwell on a small issue.
失敗なんて気にしないで。
Don't worry about a little mistake.
Formal, somewhat stiff. Often used in business or service contexts.
ご心配なく、問題は解決しました。
Please don't worry; the issue has been resolved.
Downplay a favor or dismiss an apology; equivalent to 'no problem' or 'it's fine.'
Casual. Use when someone thanks you for a small favor or apologizes for a minor inconvenience.
ありがとう。ー気にしないで。
Thanks. — Don't worry about it.
Polite version. Suitable for most situations.
遅れてすみません。ー気にしないでください。
Sorry I'm late. — Don't worry about it.
Simple 'no' used to dismiss thanks. Very common, but can sound a bit abrupt if not softened.
Advise someone not to concern themselves with something that isn't their business or is trivial.
Casual. 'You don't need to worry about it.' Implies the matter is not worth their attention.
あいつの言うことなんて気にしなくていいよ。
Don't worry about what that guy says.
Polite version. Softens the dismissal.
細かいことは気にしなくていいです。
Don't worry about the small details.
Casual, can sound blunt. 'Leave it alone.' Use with close friends.
私のことは放っておいて。
Don't worry about me. (Leave me alone.)
Tell someone not to fret over a small error or accident.
Very common. 'It's okay.' Can be used alone or in a sentence.
ごめん、コーヒーこぼしちゃった。ー大丈夫、大丈夫。
Sorry, I spilled coffee. — Don't worry about it, it's fine.
Slightly more formal than 大丈夫. 'No problem.'
遅刻してすみません。ー問題ないですよ。
Sorry for being late. — Don't worry about it.
心配しないで is about emotional worry or anxiety. 気にしないで is about not letting something bother you or not dwelling on it. For responding to thanks, 気にしないで is more natural.
試験のことは心配しないで。
Don't worry about the exam. (anxiety)
失敗は気にしないで。
Don't worry about the mistake. (don't dwell on it)
Directly translating 'don't worry about it' as それを心配しないで is unnatural. Japanese usually omits the object when context is clear.
心配しないで。
Don't worry about it.
手伝ってくれてありがとう。ーいいえ。
Thanks for helping. — Don't worry about it.
Standard 'you're welcome.' Slightly more formal than 気にしないで, but perfectly natural.
ごちそうさまでした。ーどういたしまして。
Thank you for the meal. — Don't worry about it.