对不起
duìbuqǐ
I'm sorry
How to say "It's okay" in Chinese
没关系
méi guānxi
It's okay
Character breakdown
Grammar and structure
没关系 (méi guānxi) literally means "no relation" or "it doesn't matter." It's a fixed expression used to dismiss an apology or problem.
Variations and politeness
没事
méi shì
It's nothing. — More casual and colloquial.
没关系的
méi guānxi de
It's really okay. — Slightly more polite and reassuring.
Mini dialogue
A
对不起，我迟到了。
duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídào le.
Sorry, I'm late.
B
没关系。
méi guānxi.
It's okay.
When to use it
Appropriate
- When someone apologizes to you and you want to say it's fine.
- When you want to reassure someone that a mistake or accident is not a big deal.
- In both formal and informal situations to respond to an apology.
Avoid when
- When someone thanks you; use "不客气" (bú kèqi) instead.
- When you want to say "no problem" in the sense of agreeing to do something; use "没问题" (méi wèntí).
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "it's okay" in Chinese?
You can say "没关系" (méi guānxi). It is used to respond to an apology.
When do you use "没关系"?
Use "没关系" when someone apologizes to you, to show that you are not upset. It is appropriate in any situation.
More phrases for this situation
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