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.
It's okay, so don't worry.
Polite form. Suitable for most situations with acquaintances, colleagues, or strangers.
Literally 'don't mind it.' Casual. Often used to tell someone not to dwell on a small issue.
Don't worry about a little mistake.
Formal, somewhat stiff. Often used in business or service contexts.
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.
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.
Tell someone not to fret over a small error or accident.
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.
Don't worry about the exam. (anxiety)
It will heal soon, so please don't worry.
Thanks. — Don't worry about it.
Polite version. Suitable for most situations.
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.
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.
Thank you for the meal. — Don't worry about it.
Don't worry about what that guy says.
Polite version. Softens the dismissal.
Don't worry about the small details.
Casual, can sound blunt. 'Leave it alone.' Use with close friends.
Don't worry about me. (Leave me alone.)
Very common. 'It's okay.' Can be used alone or in a sentence.
Sorry, I spilled coffee. — Don't worry about it, it's fine.
Slightly more formal than 大丈夫. 'No problem.'
Sorry for being late. — Don't worry about it.
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.
Don't worry about it.