Translation guide
This entry covers ways to express a lack of concern, interest, or emotional investment in Japanese. It includes casual indifference, deliberate disregard, and the attitude of not letting things bother you.
Expressing a relaxed lack of preference or concern, often in response to a choice or situation.
Literally 'either is fine'. A very common, neutral way to say you don't mind which option is chosen. Can sound slightly dismissive if said bluntly.
"Which would you like, coffee or tea?" "Either is fine."
Means 'not particularly' or 'nothing special'. Often used to downplay feelings or indicate a lack of strong opinion. Can come across as cold or indifferent if overused.
Stronger than どっちでもいい, meaning 'I don't care either way' or 'it doesn't matter'. Can imply annoyance or complete lack of interest.
I don't care about that kind of thing.
Literally 'anything is fine'. Used when you have no preference among many options. Can sound lazy or indifferent.
"What should we have for lunch?" "Anything is fine."
Actively choosing not to pay attention to something or someone, often intentionally.
To ignore, disregard, or give the silent treatment. Can be used for people, rules, or information.
Describing a state of not being emotionally affected or interested, often in a broader sense.
Describing a positive or neutral state of not being bothered by small things, being easygoing.
As above, but used to describe a personal trait of not sweating the small stuff.
どっちでもいい is neutral and simply means 'either is fine'. どうでもいい carries a stronger nuance of 'I don't care at all' and can sound rude or dismissive. Use どっちでもいい for everyday choices, and reserve どうでもいい for when you really want to express disinterest.
Either is fine. Choose whichever you like.
「何か食べたいものある？」「別に。」
"Is there anything you want to eat?" "Not really."
He ignored my message.
You must not ignore traffic rules.
Literally 'not mind' or 'not worry about'. Used to say you don't care about something negative, or to tell someone not to worry. Very common and versatile.
Please don't worry about mistakes.
I don't care about what he says.
To leave something unattended or neglected; to not care for something properly. Casual.
He left his work undone and went out to play.
To leave something as it is without dealing with it; to neglect. More formal than ほったらかす.
If you leave the problem unattended, it will become serious.
Apathy, indifference, lack of interest. Often used for social or political apathy.
Young people's apathy toward politics is a problem.
To have no interest in something. A straightforward, neutral statement.
I'm not interested in sports.
Cold, indifferent, uncaring attitude toward others. Often describes a person's demeanor.
He was indifferent to people in trouble.
He has a personality that doesn't sweat the small stuff.
Easygoing, carefree, optimistic. Can sometimes imply being too laid-back or oblivious.
He's always so carefree.
Indifferent, unconcerned, especially about one's appearance or social norms. Often used in phrases like 無頓着な人.
He is indifferent to his clothing.
もうどうでもいい。勝手にして。
I don't care anymore. Do whatever you want.
Directly translating 'I don't care' as 私は気にしない can sound unnatural or overly literal. In many situations, phrases like 別に, どっちでもいい, or 気にしない are more natural. Also, using どうでもいい in polite conversation can be offensive; opt for softer expressions like どちらでも構いません (formal).