It's none of your business
in SpanishNo es asunto tuyo
/noh ehs ah-SOON-toh TOO-yoh/
This is the most direct and common translation. It's quite blunt and can sound confrontational, so it's best used with people you know well or when you need to be very firm.
Setting boundaries is a key communication skill. Phrases like 'No es asunto tuyo' help you do that directly in Spanish, but it's important to know when and how to use them.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Eso no te importa
/EH-soh noh teh eem-POR-tah/
A very common and slightly less harsh alternative that means 'That doesn't matter to you' or 'That doesn't concern you.' It's still direct but often feels a bit more natural in conversation than 'No es asunto tuyo.'
Métete en tus asuntos
/MEH-teh-teh ehn toos ah-SOON-tohs/
This is the direct equivalent of 'Mind your own business.' It's an imperative command and is considered quite rude and aggressive.
No te incumbe
/noh teh een-KOOM-beh/
A slightly more formal and detached way to say something is not someone's concern. It comes from the verb 'incumbir' (to be incumbent upon/to concern).
No es de tu incumbencia
/noh ehs deh too een-koom-BEHN-see-ah/
This is a very formal, almost bureaucratic or legalistic version. It's grammatically correct and widely understood but can sound a bit stiff in casual conversation.
No te metas
/noh teh MEH-tahs/
Literally 'Don't put yourself in it,' this means 'Don't get involved' or 'Stay out of it.' It's a direct command to stop interfering.
¿Y a ti qué?
/ee ah TEE keh/
A very short, sharp, and confrontational question meaning 'And what's it to you?'. It's often used as a snappy comeback.
Zapatero, a tus zapatos
/sah-pah-TEH-roh, ah toos sah-PAH-tohs/
This is a classic idiom that literally means 'Shoemaker, to your shoes.' It's a proverbial way of telling someone to stick to what they know and not meddle in others' affairs.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
The right phrase depends heavily on the situation and how confrontational you want to be. Here's a quick comparison of the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No es asunto tuyo | Informal | Speaking to authority figures, elders, or in professional settings. | |
| Eso no te importa | Informal | You want to be extremely polite or very formal. | |
| No te incumbe | Neutral/Formal | Joking with close friends, as it can sound stiff and overly serious. | |
| Métete en tus asuntos | Very Informal/Rude | Almost all situations, unless you are prepared for a confrontation. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge is getting the rhythm and intonation right to convey the intended firmness.
The basic structures like 'No es asunto tuyo' are simple. The main grammatical point is remembering to use the correct possessive pronoun ('tuyo' vs 'suyo').
This is the hardest part. Knowing when, how, and if to use these phrases is extremely challenging. Misuse can easily damage relationships or cause serious offense.
Key Challenges:
- Knowing when it's culturally appropriate to be this direct.
- Choosing the right phrase to match the desired level of intensity.
- Avoiding offense with family members or in professional settings.
💡Examples in Action
—¿Cuánto dinero ganas? —Con todo respeto, eso no es asunto tuyo.
—How much money do you make? —With all due respect, that's none of your business.
Mi mamá me preguntó otra vez por qué no tengo novio. Le dije: 'Mamá, eso no te importa, es mi vida'.
My mom asked me again why I don't have a boyfriend. I told her: 'Mom, that doesn't concern you, it's my life.'
Estaban discutiendo y su vecino intentó intervenir. Él le gritó: '¡No te metas! ¡Métete en tus asuntos!'
They were arguing and their neighbor tried to intervene. He yelled at him: 'Stay out of it! Mind your own business!'
La decisión sobre la reestructuración del equipo no es de su incumbencia, por favor céntrese en sus propias tareas.
The decision regarding the team's restructuring is not your concern, please focus on your own tasks.
🌍Cultural Context
The Weight of Directness
In many English-speaking cultures, 'none of your business' can sometimes be said jokingly. In Spanish, its equivalents are almost always serious. Using them can be seen as very aggressive and can quickly escalate a situation, so they should be used with caution.
Family and Personal Space
The concept of personal boundaries, especially within families, can be more fluid in Hispanic cultures. A question that might seem nosy to an English speaker could be seen as a sign of caring. Bluntly saying 'no es asunto tuyo' to an elder or family member can be perceived as deeply disrespectful.
Polite Alternatives are Often Better
Due to the confrontational nature of these phrases, Spanish speakers often prefer more indirect ways to deflect a question. Saying something like 'Es un tema personal' (It's a personal topic) or 'Prefiero no hablar de eso' (I'd rather not talk about that) is often a safer and more socially acceptable way to maintain your privacy.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Translating 'Business' as 'Negocio'
Mistake: "A common error is to literally translate 'business' and say 'No es tu negocio'."
Correction: No es asunto tuyo.
Using It Too Casually
Mistake: "Using 'Métete en tus asuntos' with a colleague who asks what you did over the weekend."
Correction: Using a softer phrase like 'Nada especial' (Nothing special) or changing the subject.
Mixing Up Formal and Informal
Mistake: "Saying 'No es asunto suyo' to a close friend."
Correction: No es asunto tuyo.
💡Pro Tips
Soften the Blow with a Preamble
If you must be direct, you can soften the phrase by adding a polite preamble. For example, 'Mira, con todo respeto, eso es algo muy personal' (Look, with all due respect, that's something very personal) before saying it's none of their business.
Choose Your Weapon Wisely
Think of these phrases as tools with different levels of intensity. 'Eso no te importa' is a common, direct tool. 'No te incumbe' is a formal, precise one. 'Métete en tus asuntos' is a verbal hammer. Choose the one that matches the level of confrontation you're willing to engage in.
Learn the Polite Deflections First
Before you master the confrontational phrases, get comfortable with polite ways to avoid a question. Phrases like 'Prefiero no decirlo' (I'd rather not say) or 'Es complicado' (It's complicated) are your first line of defense and are useful in 99% of situations.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spaniards can be very direct, so phrases like 'Métete en tus asuntos' might be heard more frequently in arguments than in other regions. The idiom 'Zapatero, a tus zapatos' is also more common here.
Mexico
While directness exists, there's often a cultural preference for politeness and avoiding open conflict ('llevar la fiesta en paz'). Therefore, polite deflections are very common. Using a phrase like 'Métete en tus asuntos' is seen as very aggressive ('bronco').
Argentina
Argentinian Spanish is known for being very direct and passionate. Phrases like 'No te metás' are extremely common in everyday arguments. The intonation, reminiscent of Italian, can make these phrases sound very forceful.
💬What Comes Next?
After you tell someone it's none of their business, they might get defensive.
Bueno, solo era una pregunta. No te enojes.
Well, it was just a question. Don't get mad.
No estoy enojado/a, pero es un tema privado.
I'm not mad, but it's a private topic.
They might be surprised by your directness.
¡Qué antipático/a!
How rude/unfriendly!
Lo siento si te ofendí, pero no quiero hablar de eso.
I'm sorry if I offended you, but I don't want to talk about it.
A more aggressive person might challenge you back.
¿Y quién eres tú para hablarme así?
And who are you to talk to me like that?
Soy alguien que valora su privacidad. Dejemos el tema.
I'm someone who values their privacy. Let's drop the subject.
🧠Memory Tricks
This silly sound association links the Spanish words to an English phrase that helps you remember the meaning of setting a boundary about a future 'issue' or 'matter'.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the weight and severity. In English, 'none of your business' can be a flippant, almost playful brush-off. In Spanish, the equivalent phrases are almost exclusively used in serious or confrontational contexts. Using them lightly can be a major social faux pas, making you appear genuinely angry or hostile when you might not intend to.
The Spanish phrases are perceived as significantly more direct and confrontational than their English counterparts. While 'mind your own business' is direct in English, 'Métete en tus asuntos' feels more like a direct command to retreat and can be a fight-starter.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: A direct translation to 'No es tu negocio' is incorrect. 'Negocio' means a commercial business, a shop, or a transaction. The correct word for a personal 'matter' or 'affair' is 'asunto'.
Use instead: Use 'No es asunto tuyo' for personal matters and 'No es tu negocio' only when literally talking about someone's company or store.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'It's a personal matter'
This is the most common and polite way to deflect a question without being confrontational.
How to say 'I'd rather not talk about it'
Another essential, polite phrase for setting boundaries in conversation.
How to say 'Don't worry about it'
A gentle way to dismiss someone's concern or question when it's not their place.
How to say 'What's it to you?'
This helps you learn the more confrontational question form, ¿Y a ti qué?, which is a common variation.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: It's none of your business
Question 1 of 3
Your coworker asks you how much you paid for your new house. What is the most professionally appropriate way to respond?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is saying 'No es asunto tuyo' always rude in Spanish?
Not always, but it is always very direct and firm. With close friends, it can be used to set a clear boundary without causing a major issue. However, with strangers, elders, or in formal situations, it will almost certainly be perceived as rude and confrontational.
What's a polite way to tell someone to mind their own business in Spanish?
The best way is to avoid the direct phrases entirely. Instead, use polite deflections like 'Es un tema personal' (It's a personal topic), 'Prefiero no hablar de eso' (I'd rather not talk about that), or simply change the subject. These are much safer and more common in everyday polite conversation.
How is 'No te metas' different from 'No es asunto tuyo'?
'No es asunto tuyo' is about knowledge or information—you're telling someone they don't have a right to know something. 'No te metas' is about action—you're telling someone to stop interfering or getting involved in a situation. It's the difference between 'don't ask' and 'don't do'.
What does 'No te incumbe' mean and when should I use it?
'No te incumbe' means 'It doesn't concern you.' It's a more formal, detached, and less emotional way to set a boundary. It’s a great choice for work environments or official settings where 'No es asunto tuyo' would sound too personal and aggressive.
Can I say 'No es tu negocio' for 'It's none of your business'?
No, this is a very common mistake. 'Negocio' means a commercial business, like a store or a company. The correct word for a personal 'matter' or 'affair' is 'asunto'. Saying 'No es tu negocio' will just cause confusion.
How do I say this to a boss or an authority figure?
You should be very careful. Direct phrases are not recommended. The safest approach is to be respectful and indirect. You could say, 'Con todo respeto, esa información es confidencial' (With all due respect, that information is confidential) or 'Agradezco su interés, pero prefiero manejar esto personalmente' (I appreciate your interest, but I prefer to handle this personally).
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