没关系
méi guānxi
it does not matter / no problem
没关系 is the go-to reply to 对不起. It means the mistake, lateness, or inconvenience is not a big deal.
Example sentences
A: 对不起。B: 没关系。
A: Duìbuqǐ. B: Méi guānxi.
A: Sorry. B: It is okay.
没关系，慢慢来。
Méi guānxi, màn man lái.
No worries, take your time.
How to use 没关系 in practice
没关系 is a greetings item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin méi guānxi, then connect it to the meaning “it does not matter / no problem” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: A: 对不起。B: 没关系。 / 没关系，慢慢来。.
When you practice 没关系, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 没关系 only as “it does not matter / no problem” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open Chinese speaking practice, start a short conversation, and use 没关系 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 没关系 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only méi guānxi, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
Is 没事 the same as 没关系?
They are similar. 没事 is even more casual and is common among friends.
How can I remember 没关系 faster?
Say 没关系 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 没关系 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 没关系 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach