Definitions

1. Phrase:
   • Never mind! It doesn't matter: A polite and common phrase used to reassure someone, indicating that a mistake, problem, or inconvenience is minor and of no serious consequence. It is used to tell someone not to worry.
   • It's okay / It's fine / No problem: Used to accept an apology or to respond when someone expresses concern, showing forgiveness or a lack of upset.

Usage Examples

• Phrase: → Không sao. (Sorry, I'm late. → It's okay.) → Không sao đâu. (I spilled the water! → It's no problem.) → Không sao. (Thank you for your help. → Don't mention it.)

Advanced Usage

• "Không sao đâu": A slightly more emphatic or reassuring variant, often translated as "It's really okay" or "Don't worry about it." The word "đâu" adds a softening or reassuring tone. (Don't worry, it's really fine.)
• "Có sao đâu": A more casual or rhetorical variant with a similar meaning, often implying "What's the big deal?" or "It's no big deal." (It's just a small mistake, it's no big deal.)

Variants and Related Words

• Không hề gì: A more formal or literary synonym, meaning "It's nothing" or "Not at all."
• Không vấn đề gì: A direct translation of "No problem," used in similar contexts.
• Ổn cả: A casual way to say "All good" or "Everything's fine."

Synonyms

• Đừng bận tâm: Don't worry / Don't bother.
• Không có gì: It's nothing / You're welcome (common response to "thank you," but can also be used to downplay a minor issue).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: As a fixed phrase, "không sao" does not combine with phrasal verbs in the same way as single verbs. However, it is part of common conversational structures.) - Bảo là không sao: To say it's okay. Cô ấy bảo là không sao và bảo tôi đừng lo. (She said it was okay and told me not to worry.)

Related Idioms

• "Không sao cả": An emphatic form meaning "Absolutely no problem" or "Nothing is wrong." (Everything is still perfectly fine.)
• "Có gì đâu mà không sao": A conversational pattern used to strongly dismiss concern, meaning "There's nothing to it, so it's fine." (Just helping you a little, it's nothing, so it's fine.)

1. never mind! It doesn't matter