Inklingo

How to Say "never mind" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “never mind” is “olvídalo” — use 'olvídalo' to retract something you just said or to tell someone to disregard a previous request or statement, often when the issue is no longer important..

English → Spanish

olvídalo

Verb (Fixed Command)A2Informal
Use 'olvídalo' to retract something you just said or to tell someone to disregard a previous request or statement, often when the issue is no longer important.

Examples

Perdón, creo que rompí el vaso. — Olvídalo, no pasa nada.

Sorry, I think I broke the glass. — Forget it, it’s no big deal.

descuida

/des-KWEE-dah//desˈkwiða/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'descuida' to reassure someone that they don't need to worry about a task or problem, essentially telling them 'don't worry about it'.
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.

Canceling vs. Reassuring

The most common confusion is between canceling a statement ('olvídalo') and reassuring someone they don't need to worry ('descuida'). 'Olvídalo' is for when *you* are retracting something, while 'descuida' is for when *they* don't need to worry about something.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.