Translation guide
The English phrase 'never mind' is used to dismiss a previous statement, tell someone not to worry, or indicate that something is not important. Japanese has several expressions that map to these uses, but the choice depends heavily on context, politeness, and the relationship between speakers.
You said something but want to take it back, or you realize it's not worth pursuing. You want to say 'forget I said that' or 'it's nothing'.
Literally 'it's nothing'. A common, casual way to dismiss something you just said when you don't want to explain further. Can sound a bit abrupt if said with a flat tone.
A: どうしたの？ B: いや、なんでもない。
A: What's wrong? B: Oh, never mind.
Means 'on second thought, it's fine' or 'actually, never mind'. Used when you change your mind about asking or saying something. Very natural in casual conversation.
A: 何か言おうとしてた？ B: やっぱりいい。
A: Were you going to say something? B: Never mind.
Literally 'forget it'. A direct, casual way to say 'never mind' when you want the other person to disregard what you said. Can be a bit strong depending on tone.
さっきの話は忘れて。
Never mind what I just said.
Means 'don't worry about it' or 'never mind'. Used when you don't want someone to be concerned about something you mentioned. Softer than 忘れて.
A: ごめん、今なんて言った？ B: 気にしないで。
A: Sorry, what did you just say? B: Never mind.
Someone apologizes or seems concerned, and you want to reassure them that it's not a big deal. Equivalent to 'don't worry about it' or 'it's fine'.
The most common way to say 'never mind' in the sense of 'don't worry about it'. Polite enough for most situations, but can be made more formal with ください.
A: 遅れてすみません。 B: 気にしないで。
A: Sorry I'm late. B: Never mind.
Literally 'it's okay'. A very common, all-purpose response to apologies or minor issues. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
A: ごめん、コーヒーこぼしちゃった。 B: 大丈夫、大丈夫。
A: Sorry, I spilled the coffee. B: Never mind, it's fine.
Means 'I don't mind' or 'it doesn't matter'. Slightly more formal than 大丈夫. Often used when someone asks if something is okay.
A: ここに座ってもいいですか？ B: ええ、構わないですよ。
A: Is it okay if I sit here? B: Sure, never mind.
You want to downplay something you said or did, or you want to avoid going into detail. Similar to 'it's nothing' or 'don't worry about it'.
Again, 'it's nothing'. Used when you don't want to explain something or you think it's trivial.
A: 何を笑ってるの？ B: なんでもない。
A: What are you laughing at? B: Never mind.
Means 'not particularly' or 'nothing special'. Often used to brush off a question. Can sound a bit cold or dismissive if not careful.
Literally 'it doesn't matter either way'. Can be used for 'never mind' when you're frustrated or giving up on a topic. Stronger and more negative than other options.
Can sound rude or dismissive. Use only in very casual situations or when you want to express frustration.
もうどうでもいい。
Never mind, I don't care anymore.
You asked for something or offered something, but now you want to cancel that. You want to say 'forget I asked' or 'it's not necessary anymore'.
Works perfectly for withdrawing a request or offer. 'Actually, never mind.'
A: 水持ってこようか？ B: やっぱりいい。
A: Shall I bring you some water? B: Never mind.
A polite way to decline an offer or say 'no thank you'. Can be used for 'never mind' when you no longer need something. Formal.
A: おかわりいかがですか？ B: いえ、結構です。
A: Would you like a refill? B: No, never mind.
Do not try to translate 'never mind' literally as 決して気にしない or similar. These phrases do not convey the intended meaning and will sound unnatural. Always choose an expression based on the specific situation.
決して気にしないで
Never mind (literal, unnatural)
なんでもない is used when you are dismissing your own statement or action. 気にしないで is used when you want to reassure someone else about their mistake or concern. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
A: さっきの冗談、ひどかった？ B: いや、なんでもない。
A: Was that joke too harsh? B: No, never mind (dismissing own comment).
A: ごめん、ぶつかっちゃった。 B: 気にしないで。
A: Sorry, I bumped into you. B: Never mind (don't worry).
A: Did something happen? B: Never mind.