Inklingo

How to Say "don't worry" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuida

/des-KWEE-dah//desˈkwiða/

verbA2informal
Use this informal command to reassure someone directly that you have things under control or that a situation is handled.
A friendly person with a warm smile placing a comforting hand on someone's shoulder in a sunny garden.

Examples

—¿Te acuerdas de traer las llaves? —Sí, descuida.

—Will you remember to bring the keys? —Yes, don't worry.

Descuida, yo me encargo de la cena esta noche.

Don't worry, I'll take care of dinner tonight.

Si no puedes venir, descuida, lo haremos otro día.

If you can't come, never mind, we'll do it another day.

Using it as a Command

Even though it's technically a command (imperative), it sounds very friendly and soft, not like you're bossing someone around.

The 'You' form

'Descuida' is used when talking to a friend (tú). If you are being very formal with someone (usted), you should say 'descuide'.

Confusing with 'Disculpa'

Mistake: “Using 'descuida' to mean 'excuse me'.”

Correction: Use 'disculpa' to say sorry or get attention; use 'descuida' to tell someone else not to worry.

tranquila

trahn-KEE-lah/tɾaŋˈki.la/

interjectionA2informal
Use this as an interjection to calm someone down, telling them to relax because there is no need for concern or hurry.
A kind figure gently placing a comforting hand on the shoulder of a slightly worried child, offering reassurance and suggesting they calm down.

Examples

¡Tranquila! No hay prisa, podemos empezar más tarde.

Calm down! There's no rush, we can start later.

Me preocupan los exámenes. — ¡Tranquila, te irá bien!

I'm worried about the exams. — Don't worry, you'll do fine!

Using the Command Form

When used as a command, 'tranquila' is short for 'mantente tranquila' (keep yourself calm). Since you are speaking to one female person, you use the feminine '-a' ending.

preocupen

preh-oh-Koo-pen/pɾeoˈkúpen/

verbB1formal
Use this when you are telling a group of people (formal 'ustedes') not to feel worried or anxious about something.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two simple, distinct figures sitting side-by-side. Both figures appear distressed, holding their heads in their hands with pronounced worried expressions.

Examples

Espero que los niños no se preocupen por el examen.

I hope the children don't worry about the test.

No se preocupen, todo saldrá bien.

Don't worry (you all), everything will turn out fine.

Quizás se preocupen si no llegamos a tiempo.

Maybe they will worry if we don't arrive on time.

The 'Reflexive' SE

The word 'preocupen' almost always follows the pronoun 'se' (se preocupen). This 'se' tells you that the people are doing the worrying to themselves, making it 'to worry' (instead of 'preocupar,' which means 'to worry someone else').

The Subjunctive Mood

'Preocupen' is a special verb form used when expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessity about 'them' (ellos/ellas) or the formal 'you all' (ustedes). It often follows trigger words like 'Espero que' (I hope that) or 'Dudo que' (I doubt that).

Forgetting the 'SE'

Mistake: “Using 'No preocupen' for 'Don't worry.'”

Correction: The correct command is 'No se preocupen.' Always include the reflexive 'se' when telling someone not to worry.

Confusing Command Forms

Mistake: “Using 'preocupan' (present tense) in a command.”

Correction: Commands use the special form: 'No se preocupen' (command) vs. 'Ellos se preocupan' (they are worrying now). The ending changes from '-an' to '-en'.

Informal vs. Formal 'Don't Worry'

Learners often confuse 'descuida' and 'tranquila' with 'preocupen'. Remember that 'descuida' and 'tranquila' are informal ways to reassure someone directly, while 'preocupen' is a more formal way to tell a group not to worry.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.