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没事
méi shì
it's okay
别担心，没事的。
Don't worry, it's okay.
informal
Used to indicate that something is fine or there is no problem.
你迟到了吗？没事，我们可以等你。
Are you late? It's okay, we can wait for you.
Often used to reassure someone or downplay a situation.
informal
Used to dismiss or ignore a problem or concern.
他总是抱怨工作压力大，但我们都说没事。
He always complains about work stress, but we all say it's okay.
Can sometimes imply a lack of empathy if overused.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Tone Matters
The tone can change the meaning. A flat '没事' can sound dismissive, while a softer tone is reassuring.
Gold Rule
Context is Key
Use '没事' when reassuring someone or downplaying a minor issue, but avoid it for serious problems.
Word Origin
Combination of 没 (méi, 'not') and 事 (shì, 'thing' or 'matter'), literally meaning 'no matter' or 'no problem'.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in casual conversation to reassure or dismiss concerns. Can be softened with the diminutive '儿' (没事儿) for a more gentle tone.
Word Breakdown
没
not
prefix事
thing, matter
root汉英词典