It doesn't matter
in SpanishNo importa
/NOH eem-POR-tah/
This is the most direct and universally understood translation for 'it doesn't matter.' It's a reliable, all-purpose phrase that works in almost any context, from casual to formal.
When a friend makes a small mistake, a simple 'No pasa nada' ('It's no big deal') is the perfect, reassuring response.
💬Other Ways to Say It
No pasa nada
/NOH PAH-sah NAH-dah/
Literally 'nothing happens,' this is a warm and reassuring phrase. It's the perfect way to say 'don't worry about it' or 'it's no big deal' when someone apologizes or makes a small mistake.
Da igual
/DAH ee-GWAL/
Meaning 'it's the same' or 'it makes no difference,' this is extremely common, especially in Spain. It's used to express that you don't have a preference between options.
No hay problema
/NOH EYE proh-BLEH-mah/
The direct equivalent of 'no problem.' It's a clear, polite, and slightly more formal alternative to 'No pasa nada.'
No te preocupes
/NOH teh preh-oh-KOO-pehs/
This means 'don't you worry' and is used when speaking to someone you know well (using the 'tú' form). It's very personal and comforting.
No se preocupe
/NOH seh preh-oh-KOO-peh/
The formal version of 'No te preocupes,' used when addressing someone with 'usted.' It shows respect while still being reassuring.
Me da igual
/MEH DAH ee-GWAL/
This is a more personal version of 'Da igual,' meaning 'It's all the same *to me*.' It strongly signals your own indifference to a choice.
Me da lo mismo
/MEH DAH loh MEES-moh/
Literally 'it gives me the same,' this is almost perfectly interchangeable with 'Me da igual.' It's another common way to say you don't have a preference.
Es lo de menos
/EHS loh deh MEH-nohs/
This phrase means 'that's the least of it' or 'that's the least important part.' It's used to minimize one specific problem in light of a bigger picture.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best phrase based on the situation and desired tone.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No importa | Neutral | A general, all-purpose way to dismiss something's importance. | It's almost always safe, but can lack the warmth of other options. |
| No pasa nada | Informal | Reassuring someone after they've made a small mistake or apologized. | In very formal business settings; 'No hay problema' might be better. |
| Da igual | Casual | Expressing that you have no preference between two or more choices. | Responding to an apology, as it can sound like you don't care about their feelings. |
| No te preocupes | Informal | Personally comforting someone who seems genuinely worried or anxious. | Speaking to someone you should address formally as 'usted'. |
| No hay problema | Neutral | Responding to requests or apologies in a polite, clear way. | It's very versatile, but 'No pasa nada' can feel warmer among friends. |
📈Difficulty Level
All the sounds in these phrases are very straightforward for English speakers. No tricky 'r' rolls or difficult vowels.
Most phrases are simple fixed expressions. The only minor challenge is remembering the formal ('se preocupe') vs. informal ('te preocupes') distinction.
Choosing the right phrase for the right emotional context (reassurance vs. indifference) takes practice. Tone of voice is also very important.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing between reassuring phrases ('No pasa nada') and phrases of indifference ('Da igual').
- Avoiding the harsh-sounding 'No me importa' when you mean to be polite.
💡Examples in Action
- ¡Uy, perdón! Derramé un poco de agua. - No pasa nada, es solo agua.
- Oops, sorry! I spilled a little water. - It's no big deal, it's just water.
- ¿Prefieres el vestido azul o el rojo? - La verdad, me da igual. Los dos son bonitos.
- Do you prefer the blue dress or the red one? - Honestly, it doesn't matter to me. Both are nice.
- Señor, lamento informarle que su reserva no aparece en el sistema. - No se preocupe, debo tener el correo de confirmación por aquí.
- Sir, I'm sorry to inform you that your reservation isn't in the system. - Don't worry, I should have the confirmation email here somewhere.
- Olvidé comprar el pan para la cena. - No importa, podemos comer sin pan esta noche.
- I forgot to buy bread for dinner. - It doesn't matter, we can eat without bread tonight.
🌍Cultural Context
Reassurance is Key
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using phrases like 'No pasa nada' or 'No te preocupes' is a very common and important social lubricant. It's a way to quickly smooth over minor social bumps, like someone being late or making a small mistake, and to maintain a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
The Tone of 'Da Igual'
While 'Da igual' or 'Me da igual' are incredibly common, especially in Spain, your tone of voice is crucial. Said with a smile, it means 'I'm easygoing!' Said with a flat tone or a shrug, it can come across as 'I couldn't care less,' which might sound rude or dismissive. Be mindful of how you say it.
Personal vs. Impersonal
Notice the difference between 'No importa' (It doesn't matter) and 'No me importa' (I don't care). The first is a neutral statement about a situation. The second is a strong personal statement of indifference that can easily sound harsh or impolite if used incorrectly.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation: 'No Materia'
Mistake: "Using 'No materia' to mean 'It doesn't matter'."
Correction: No importa.
Confusing 'No Importa' and 'No Me Importa'
Mistake: "Using 'No me importa' when you mean to be reassuring."
Correction: Use 'No importa' or 'No pasa nada' instead.
Using 'Da Igual' for Apologies
Mistake: "Responding with 'Da igual' when someone says 'Lo siento' (I'm sorry)."
Correction: Respond with 'No pasa nada' or 'No te preocupes'.
💡Pro Tips
Match the Phrase to the Feeling
Think about the purpose. Are you reassuring someone? Use 'No pasa nada' or 'No te preocupes.' Are you showing you have no preference? Use 'Da igual' or 'Me da lo mismo.' Are you stating a neutral fact? Use 'No importa.'
When in Doubt, Use 'No Importa'
If you're ever unsure which variation to use, 'No importa' is your safest bet. It's neutral, universally understood, and fits in almost any situation without the risk of sounding too casual or dismissive.
Listen for Regional Favorites
Pay attention to what native speakers around you say. If you're in Spain, you'll hear 'Da igual' constantly. In Mexico, 'No hay problema' is very common. Adapting to local usage will make you sound more natural.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The use of 'Da igual' and 'Me da igual' is significantly more frequent in Spain than in Latin America. It's a cornerstone of casual conversation for expressing indifference or that something is not a problem.
Mexico
'No hay problema' is extremely common in all contexts, from service interactions to conversations with friends. The slang 'No hay bronca' ('There's no fight/issue') is widespread among friends but should be avoided in formal settings.
Argentina
Argentinians often use 'No hay drama' ('No drama') in casual situations, which is a relaxed and friendly way to say 'it's no big deal.' The general vibe is often about minimizing problems and keeping things relaxed.
💬What Comes Next?
After you reassure someone who apologized
Gracias, qué amable.
Thanks, that's kind of you.
De nada, en serio.
You're welcome, seriously.
After you say you don't have a preference
Bueno, entonces elegimos las enchiladas.
Okay, then we'll choose the enchiladas.
¡Perfecto!
Perfect!
After you use a formal 'No se preocupe'
Le agradezco su comprensión.
I appreciate your understanding.
Por supuesto.
Of course.
🔄How It Differs from English
English tends to use 'it's okay' and 'no problem' as catch-all responses for apologies, requests, and expressing indifference. Spanish is more nuanced, with specific phrases that are better suited for each context. 'No pasa nada' is for reassurance, while 'Da igual' is for choices, a distinction not always present in English.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: While 'I don't mind' can be translated as 'No me importa,' this Spanish phrase is much stronger and can sound like 'I don't care.' It lacks the gentle, polite tone of the English original.
Use instead: To politely say 'I don't mind,' it's much better to use 'No importa,' 'Me da igual,' or 'Por mí está bien' (It's fine by me).
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'It's okay' in Spanish
This is a related concept often used for reassurance, like 'Está bien'.
How to say 'Don't worry' in Spanish
This is a direct follow-up, focusing specifically on the reassuring phrases 'No te preocupes' and 'No se preocupe'.
How to say 'You're welcome' in Spanish
After someone thanks you for being understanding ('Gracias'), you'll need to know how to respond ('De nada').
How to apologize in Spanish
Understanding how people apologize ('Lo siento', 'Perdón') provides the context for when you'll use these reassuring phrases.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: It doesn't matter
Question 1 of 4
Your friend apologizes for being five minutes late to meet you for coffee. What is the most natural and reassuring response?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 'No importa' and 'No me importa'?
Think of 'No importa' as a neutral statement about a situation: 'It is not important.' In contrast, 'No me importa' is a strong personal statement: '*I* don't care.' The second one can sound very harsh and dismissive, so be careful with it. When in doubt, stick with 'No importa'.
Can 'Da igual' sound rude?
Yes, it can, depending on your tone. If you say it with a smile or in a friendly way, it means you're easygoing. If you say it with a flat tone or a shrug, it can sound like 'Whatever, I don't care,' which can be perceived as rude. It's all about the delivery!
When is the best time to use 'No pasa nada'?
The absolute best time to use 'No pasa nada' is immediately after someone apologizes for something minor. Someone bumps into you and says '¡Perdón!'? You say, 'No pasa nada.' A friend is late and says 'Lo siento'? 'No pasa nada.' It's a social tool to instantly make people feel at ease.
What's the most formal way to say 'it doesn't matter'?
'No importa' is a safe, neutral option that works well in formal settings. If you specifically want to tell someone not to worry, 'No se preocupe' is the perfect formal and respectful choice.
Is 'No hay problema' more like 'no problem' or 'it doesn't matter'?
It's much closer to 'no problem.' It's a fantastic response when someone asks for a small favor ('Can you help me with this?') or when they point out a potential issue. It signals that the request or situation is not an inconvenience for you.
Can I use these phrases for very serious problems?
Generally, no. These phrases are for downplaying minor issues. If someone tells you they lost their job or are having a serious family problem, saying 'No pasa nada' would sound incredibly insensitive. In serious situations, it's better to use phrases like 'Lo siento mucho' (I'm very sorry) or 'Estoy aquí para ti' (I'm here for you).
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