Translation guide
How to express that something is unimportant, makes no difference, or is not a concern in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you mean 'either option is fine', 'it's not a problem', or 'I don't care'.
Expressing that any choice is acceptable, or that the outcome makes no difference.
A very common, neutral way to say 'either is fine' or 'it doesn't matter which'. Can sound slightly indifferent depending on tone.
Tea or coffee, either is fine.
Casual version of どちらでもいい. Used in informal speech.
Either one is fine.
Means 'anything is fine'. Can sound dismissive or like you don't care, so use with caution.
Can sound rude or indifferent if said bluntly. Soften with です/ます or add よ/ね.
Anything is fine for food.
Literally 'I don't mind'. More polite than いい but still casual. Often used as かまいません in polite speech.
Either is fine with me.
Reassuring someone that a situation is not an issue or that you are not bothered.
Expressing lack of interest or emotional detachment. Can be rude if not careful.
Stronger than どちらでもいい. Means 'I don't care either way' or 'it's irrelevant'. Can sound dismissive.
Often perceived as rude or cold. Use only in casual settings with close friends.
Saying that something remains true irrespective of conditions.
Downplaying the significance of something.
Means 'it's not a big deal'. Polite form is 大したことではありません.
The English phrase 'it doesn't matter' has no single direct equivalent. Translating word-for-word as それは問題ではない is unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the nuance you want.
Either is fine. (not それは問題ではない)
いい is neutral and common. かまわない is slightly more polite and means 'I don't mind'. どうでもいい expresses indifference and can be rude. Use どうでもいい only with close friends or when you really don't care.
Very common for 'it's okay', 'no problem'. Can be used in many contexts.
It doesn't matter if you're late.
Literally 'no problem'. Slightly more formal than 大丈夫.
It doesn't matter if it gets a little dirty.
Means 'don't worry about it'. Used when someone apologizes or seems concerned.
Please don't worry about it (it doesn't matter).
That doesn't matter at all.
Literally 'it's not something I know/care about'. Very blunt and dismissive.
I couldn't care less about his mistakes.
It doesn't matter if it rains.
It doesn't matter if it's expensive.
Formal pattern meaning 'regardless of ~'. Used in written or formal speech.
You can participate regardless of age.
It's not a big deal, so don't worry.
Literary expression meaning 'trivial' or 'insignificant'.
That's a trivial matter.
A: どっちがいい？ B: どっちでもいいよ。
A: Which do you prefer? B: Either is fine.
A: Which do you prefer? B: I don't care. (rude)