気にしないで

• Reading: きにしないで
• Romaji: ki ni shinaide
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (spirit/mind/feeling) — 気にする = to mind/worry about, しないで = don't do
• Pronunciation: /ki.ni.ɕi.na.i.de/

Meaning

A reassuring phrase meaning 'don't worry about it' or 'never mind' — used to put someone at ease after a mistake or apology.

気にしないで is the go-to response when someone apologises for a minor inconvenience or expresses concern about something trivial. It literally means 'don't let it weigh on your mind' and is a kind, dismissive wave that says the matter is not worth stressing over. It can also be used pre-emptively to tell someone not to worry about a favour they are about to do.

Examples

1. コーヒーこぼしちゃった？気にしないで、すぐ拭くよ。 You spilled the coffee? Don't worry about it, I'll wipe it up.
2. 遅れてごめん。気にしないで、全然大丈夫だよ。 Sorry I'm late. Don't worry about it, it's totally fine.
3. お金のことは気にしないで、今日は俺が出すから。 Don't worry about the money — it's my treat today.

Usage Guide

Context: reassurance, after apologies, friends, texting

Tone: reassuring, kind

Do Say

• 気にしないで、誰でもミスはあるよ (Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes)
• 気にしないで、大したことないから (Don't sweat it, it's no big deal)

Don't Say

• 重大なミスに「気にしないで」は軽すぎる — 状況に合わせた対応が必要 (Saying 気にしないで about a serious mistake is too dismissive — respond appropriately to the situation)

Common Mistakes

• Using 気にしないで for genuinely serious situations where the person needs accountability, not dismissal
• Forgetting the polite form 気になさらないでください for formal contexts

Origin & History

From 気 (spirit/mind) + にする (to make into) + ないで (don't), literally 'don't make it into [something on your] mind.' A natural Japanese construction reflecting the cultural emphasis on harmony and relieving others' psychological burden.

Cultural Context

Era: Long-standing everyday expression

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used nationwide. Essential for maintaining social harmony by quickly alleviating guilt or embarrassment.