没关系
it doesn't matter; no problem
méi guānxi
What does 没关系 mean?
没关系 (méi guānxi) literally means 'no relation / no connection' and functions as the standard Chinese response to an apology — equivalent to English 'it's okay,' 'no problem,' or 'don't worry about it.' Three uses matter: first, as a reply to 对不起 ('sorry') — almost reflexively paired; second, to dismiss a small inconvenience ('it doesn't matter / it's fine'); third, to reassure someone after a minor mistake.
The 关 carries a third tone but is often softened to half-third before another syllable; the final 系 is toneless in this common usage. Two things to know: first, never reply to 谢谢 (thanks) with 没关系 — use 不客气 (bú kèqi, 'you're welcome') instead; second, 没事 (méi shì, 'no issue') is interchangeable in spoken Mandarin and slightly more casual.
Note: 没关系 is the standard reply to 对不起
Character breakdown
no; not have
to close; connection
to tie; relation (toneless here)
Memory hook: Literally 'no connection / no relation' — meaning 'this incident has no real consequence between us.' That's how Chinese says 'no worries.'
Example sentences
对不起！— 没关系。
Duìbuqǐ! — Méi guānxi.
I'm sorry! — It's okay.
spoken
没关系，我有时间。
Méi guānxi, wǒ yǒu shíjiān.
No problem, I have time.
spoken
真的没关系，别担心。
Zhēn de méi guānxi, bié dānxīn.
Really, it's fine — don't worry.
spoken
没关系，下次再来。
Méi guānxi, xià cì zài lái.
It's okay, come again next time.
neutral
Common phrases with 没关系
Synonyms
没事 ('no issue') is slightly more casual and slightly more common in everyday spoken Mandarin. Interchangeable with 没关系 in most situations, especially among friends.
不要紧 ('not serious / no big deal') often comments on a situation: 'this isn't a big problem.' 没关系 is more about absolving the other person.