不要紧

• Pinyin: bù yào jǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = a simple negative marker; 要 = 覀 (west, phonetic) + 女 (woman); 紧 = 臤 (hard) + 糸 (silk) — tight, urgent

Meaning

It doesn't matter; it's not serious. Used to reassure someone that a situation is not a big deal.

A common spoken expression to downplay a problem or reassure someone after a mistake or minor incident. Similar to 没关系 but can also describe the severity of a situation, as in 'the injury is not serious'. Often used as a response to apologies or worries.

Examples

1. 迟到五分钟不要紧，会议还没开始呢。 Being five minutes late doesn't matter; the meeting hasn't started yet.
2. 医生说这个伤口不要紧，过几天就好了。 The doctor said this wound isn't serious and will heal in a few days.
3. 你不小心打碎了杯子？不要紧，我再买一个。 You accidentally broke the cup? It's fine, I'll buy another one.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, reassurance, social

Tone: reassuring

Do Say

• 不要紧，下次注意就行了。(It's okay, just be careful next time.)
• 这点小问题不要紧，很快就能解决。(This little problem is no big deal; it can be solved quickly.)

Don't Say

• 对严重的事故说'不要紧' (Don't say 不要紧 about a serious accident or major loss — it sounds dismissive; express concern first, then offer help)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 要紧 (important/urgent). The phrase literally means 'not important' or 'not urgent', used to minimise the significance of a matter.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal