没关系 (méi guānxi) — it's okay; no problem

没关系 (méi guānxi)

没关系 means "it's okay," "no problem," or "never mind." It is the standard reassuring response when someone apologizes to you.

Meanings

1. [phrase] It's okay; no problem; don't worry about it; never mind (forgiving or reassuring the other person).

Example Sentences

A: 对不起！ B: 没关系！ A: Duìbuqǐ! B: Méi guānxi! A: Sorry! B: It's okay!

没关系，我不介意。 Méi guānxi, wǒ bù jièyì. It's fine, I don't mind.

你迟到了？没关系，我刚到。 Nǐ chídào le? Méi guānxi, wǒ gāng dào. You're late? No problem, I just got here.

没关系，下次注意就好了。 Méi guānxi, xià cì zhùyì jiù hǎo le. It's okay, just be careful next time.

Usage Notes

没关系 is primarily used as a response to 对不起 (sorry). It literally means "there is no relationship (between this incident and my being upset)" — that is, the incident has no bearing, no harm done. It can also be used proactively to reassure someone who seems worried or apologetic. Do not confuse its primary role: 没关系 goes after an apology, while 不客气 goes after a thank-you. In very casual speech, 没事 (méi shì, no big deal) is a shorter synonym.

Collocations or Common Phrases

Memory Hook

没关系 = no (没) + relationship/connection (关系) — this incident has no connection to any problem between us, so there is nothing to worry about.