Don't worry
in SpanishNo te preocupes
/NOH teh preh-oh-KOO-pehs/
This is the most common and direct way to tell a friend, family member, or someone you're on a first-name basis with not to worry. It uses the informal 'tú' form.
A simple gesture of reassurance, like saying 'No te preocupes,' can make a big difference.
💬Other Ways to Say It
No se preocupe
/NOH seh preh-oh-KOO-peh/
This is the formal version of 'don't worry,' using the 'usted' form. It's essential for showing respect to elders, superiors, or people you don't know well.
Tranquilo / Tranquila
/trahn-KEE-loh/ /trahn-KEE-lah/
Literally meaning 'calm,' this is a very common, casual way to say 'chill out,' 'take it easy,' or 'don't worry.' Remember to match the ending to the person's gender ('-o' for male, '-a' for female).
No pasa nada
/NOH PAH-sah NAH-dah/
Meaning 'nothing happens' or 'it's nothing,' this phrase is used for minor mishaps. It's less about deep-seated worry and more about brushing off a small mistake or inconvenience.
No se preocupen
/NOH seh preh-oh-KOO-pehn/
This is the plural form of 'don't worry,' used when speaking to a group of people formally ('ustedes'). In Latin America, it's used for any group, formal or informal.
No os preocupéis
/NOH ohs preh-oh-koo-PAYCE/
This is the informal plural 'don't worry,' using the 'vosotros' form, which is exclusively used in Spain.
No te hagas problema
/NOH teh AH-gahs proh-BLEH-mah/
A very common phrase in the Río de la Plata region, it literally means 'don't make a problem for yourself.' It has the same reassuring function as 'no te preocupes.'
Todo va a estar bien
/TOH-doh vah ah ehs-TAR byehn/
This means 'Everything is going to be alright.' It's a more deeply reassuring phrase used for more significant worries.
No hay problema
/NOH eye proh-BLEH-mah/
Meaning 'no problem,' this is often used interchangeably with 'no pasa nada' for minor issues, or as a response to a request.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right way to say 'don't worry' depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the person. Here's a quick comparison of the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No te preocupes | Informal | Reassuring friends, family, or peers about a genuine concern. | Speaking to superiors, elders, or in formal business settings. |
| No se preocupe | Formal | Showing respect while reassuring someone you don't know well, a boss, or an older person. | Chatting with close friends, as it can sound distant or overly formal. |
| Tranquilo / Tranquila | Casual | Telling a friend to 'chill' or 'take it easy' in a low-stakes situation. | Addressing serious anxieties, as it can sound dismissive. |
| No pasa nada | Neutral | Brushing off minor accidents or apologies, like someone bumping into you. | Someone is expressing a deep or significant worry; it's not comforting enough. |
📈Difficulty Level
The word 'preocupes' (preh-oh-KOO-pehs) can be a bit of a mouthful at first, but it's completely phonetic. The other variations are quite straightforward for English speakers.
The main difficulty is grammar. You have to remember the different command forms: 'preocupes' (tú), 'preocupe' (usted), 'preocupéis' (vosotros), and 'preocupen' (ustedes). This requires some practice.
Choosing the correct level of formality is key to using this phrase correctly. Using the wrong phrase for the situation (e.g., 'tranquilo' for a serious problem) can also sound insensitive.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering which command ending to use (-es, -e, -éis, -en)
- Choosing the right phrase for the situation (preocupes vs. tranquilo vs. pasa nada)
- Matching the gender for 'tranquilo/a'
💡Examples in Action
¡Ay, creo que olvidé mi billetera! — No te preocupes, yo pago.
Oh no, I think I forgot my wallet! — Don't worry, I'll pay.
Señor López, lamento el retraso en el informe. — No se preocupe, entiendo que ha estado muy ocupado.
Mr. Lopez, I'm sorry for the delay on the report. — Don't worry, I understand you've been very busy.
¡Uy, te pisé sin querer! — Tranquilo, no pasa nada.
Oops, I accidentally stepped on you! — It's cool, no big deal.
Chicos, ¿llegaremos a tiempo al cine? — No os preocupéis, vamos bien de tiempo.
Guys, will we make it to the movies on time? — Don't worry, we have plenty of time.
🌍Cultural Context
Reassurance as a Social Glue
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, offering reassurance is a common and important social interaction. Phrases like 'no te preocupes' or 'tranquilo' are not just throwaway lines; they are active ways of showing solidarity, empathy, and maintaining social harmony. It's a way of saying, 'I'm with you, and we'll handle this together.'
The Power of 'Tranquilo'
The concept of 'tranquilidad' (calmness, tranquility) is highly valued. Saying 'tranquilo/a' is more than just 'don't worry'; it's an invitation to adopt a calmer, less stressful state of mind. It reflects a cultural perspective that often prioritizes peace of mind over frantic problem-solving.
Formality is Non-Negotiable
The distinction between 'tú' (informal) and 'usted' (formal) is crucial with this phrase. Using 'no te preocupes' with an elder or a superior can come across as overly familiar or even disrespectful. When in doubt, always default to the formal 'no se preocupe' to show respect.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up Formal and Informal Endings
Mistake: "Saying 'No te preocupe' or 'No se preocupes'."
Correction: It should be 'No te preocupes' (for tú) or 'No se preocupe' (for usted).
Forgetting Gender with 'Tranquilo'
Mistake: "Saying 'Tranquilo' to a woman."
Correction: Say 'Tranquila' when speaking to a woman.
Using 'No te preocupes' for Minor Mishaps
Mistake: "Someone bumps into you and apologizes, and you say 'No te preocupes'."
Correction: 'No pasa nada' or 'No hay problema' is more natural.
💡Pro Tips
Match the Formality to the Person
Before you say anything, quickly assess your relationship with the person. Are they a friend or peer? Use 'No te preocupes' or 'Tranquilo/a'. Are they older, a boss, or a stranger? Always use the formal 'No se preocupe'.
Listen for the 'Why'
Pay attention to the scale of the problem. If someone spills a drink, 'No pasa nada' is perfect. If they are worried about their job, 'No te preocupes, todo va a estar bien' is much more comforting and appropriate.
Add a Physical Gesture
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, these phrases are often accompanied by a reassuring gesture, like a light touch on the arm or shoulder. This non-verbal cue can make your words feel much more sincere and comforting.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The use of 'vosotros' ('os preocupéis') for informal groups is the most significant difference. Slang like 'no te rayes' is also very common among younger people. 'Tranqui' as a shortened form of 'tranquilo' is ubiquitous.
Mexico
'No hay bronca' is a popular and very Mexican slang term for 'no problem.' The use of 'ustedes' for all groups, formal or informal, is standard, so you'll hear 'no se preocupen' used among friends.
Argentina & Uruguay
The 'voseo' (use of 'vos' instead of 'tú') is universal, though the command form remains 'no te preocupes.' The phrase 'No te hagas problema' is a hallmark of this region and is used constantly in everyday conversation.
📱Texting & Social Media
No te preocupes
Widely used in WhatsApp, Messenger, and other informal chat platforms.
Llego 5 min tarde, perdón! - Ntp, acá te espero
Running 5 mins late, sorry! - Don't worry, I'll wait for you here
Tranquilo / Tranquila
A common slangy shortening used among friends in chats and comments.
Estoy nervioso por el examen. - Tranki, vas a estar bien
I'm nervous for the test. - Chill, you'll be fine
💬What Comes Next?
After you reassure them
Gracias, de verdad.
Thank you, really.
De nada, para eso estamos.
You're welcome, that's what we're here for.
They are still worried and explain more
Es que no sé si puedo hacerlo.
It's just that I don't know if I can do it.
Claro que puedes. Confío en ti.
Of course you can. I believe in you.
After you say 'No pasa nada' for a small mistake
¡Qué amable!
How kind!
No hay de qué.
Don't mention it.
🧠Memory Tricks
This links the sound of the Spanish word to its English meaning, making it easier to recall.
This direct sound-alike connection (a cognate) makes 'tranquilo' one of the easiest variations to remember.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is that English uses 'don't worry' for almost everything, from a spilled coffee to a major life crisis. Spanish is more nuanced, with specific phrases for specific situations. 'No pasa nada' is for minor issues, 'tranquilo' is for telling someone to relax, and 'no te preocupes' is for genuine concern. Furthermore, the mandatory formal/informal distinction in Spanish (te/se) adds a layer of social consideration not present in the English phrase.
Spanish phrases for reassurance can feel warmer and more personal than the English 'don't worry,' especially when paired with a physical gesture. The act of choosing the correct formality and phrase for the situation can in itself feel more considerate and less automatic than the English equivalent.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say you're welcome
This is the natural response after someone thanks you for reassuring them.
How to say I'm sorry
Understanding apologies is key, as 'don't worry' is often a response to one.
It's okay / It's alright
Phrases like 'Está bien' are closely related and often used in similar situations of reassurance.
No problem
'No hay problema' is a direct alternative and a fundamental phrase for daily interactions.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Don't worry
Question 1 of 3
You accidentally bump into an older woman on the street, and she drops a newspaper. You help her pick it up and she says, 'Gracias.' What's the most natural thing for you to say after your apology?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'No te preocupes' and 'No se preocupe'?
It's all about formality and respect. 'No te preocupes' is informal, used with the 'tú' form for friends, family, and peers. 'No se preocupe' is formal, used with the 'usted' form for elders, strangers, bosses, or anyone you want to show a higher degree of respect to.
When should I use 'Tranquilo' instead of 'No te preocupes'?
Use 'Tranquilo/a' when you want to tell someone to calm down or relax in a casual situation, like if they're rushing or getting agitated over something small. Use 'No te preocupes' when someone is expressing a genuine worry or concern that you want to address directly.
Is 'No pasa nada' the same as 'Don't worry'?
Not exactly. 'No pasa nada' literally means 'nothing happens' and is best translated as 'it's nothing,' 'no big deal,' or 'it's all good.' It's used to brush off minor mistakes, accidents, or apologies where no real worry is involved.
How do I say 'don't worry' to a group of people?
It depends on where you are and how well you know them. In Spain, you'd say 'No os preocupéis' to a group of friends. In Latin America (or in any formal situation), you'd say 'No se preocupen' to any group.
I see 'ntp' and 'tranki' in texts. What do they mean?
'Ntp' is a very common text abbreviation for 'No te preocupes.' Similarly, 'tranki' is a casual, slangy shortening of 'tranquilo' or 'tranquila.' Both are widely used in informal digital communication.
Why is it 'preocupes' with 'te' but 'preocupe' with 'se'?
This comes from the rules for forming commands in Spanish. The informal negative command for 'tú' (you, informal) ends in '-es' for -ar verbs like preocupar. The formal command for 'usted' (you, formal) ends in '-e'. It's a grammar rule you'll get used to with practice!
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