没关系 (méi guān xi)

phrase / interjection HSK 2

Traditional 沒關係

méi guān xi

it doesn't matter · never mind · it's okay · no problem

Meaning

This is one of the most common phrases in everyday Mandarin, used to express that something is not a problem or to reassure someone. It literally means 'has no relationship/connection,' implying that whatever happened doesn't affect the situation or relationship negatively.

Usage

Used in response to apologies, thanks, or concerns to indicate acceptance and that no harm was done. Very casual and friendly. Can also be used to decline help politely or to express indifference. Often paired with 不要紧 (bú yào jǐn) in similar contexts.

Examples

01
对不起，我迟到了。没关系，我也刚到。
Duì bu qǐ, wǒ chí dào le. Méi guān xi, wǒ yě gāng dào.
Sorry, I'm late. It's okay, I just arrived too.
02
你能帮我吗？对不起，我现在很忙。没关系，我自己来吧。
Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma? Duì bu qǐ, wǒ xiàn zài hěn máng. Méi guān xi, wǒ zì jǐ lái ba.
Can you help me? Sorry, I'm very busy right now. No problem, I'll do it myself.

Characters

Common collocations

没关系的
méi guān xi de
it's really okay (emphatic)
真的没关系
zhēn de méi guān xi
really, it's no problem

Antonyms

有关系yǒu guān xiit matters, there's a connection

Origin

Combines 没 (not have) with 关系 (relationship/connection), literally meaning 'there is no connection/relationship,' which extended to mean 'it doesn't affect anything' or 'it's not a problem.'