💬 Phrases B1

신경 쓰지 마

singyeong sseuji ma

Don't worry about it / Don't mind it

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What it means

신경 쓰지 마 literally means "don't spend your nerves on it." 신경 = nerve/attention, 쓰다 = to use/write, 마 = don't. A very common phrase of reassurance.

Nuance & when to use

Used when someone is over-apologizing or worrying unnecessarily. Polite: 신경 쓰지 마세요. Can also sound dismissive if said rudely. Tone is everything.

⚠ Common mistake

신경 써요 means "please pay attention/care" — the positive form. 신경 쓰지 마 is the negative. Don't confuse them.

Example sentences

실수한 거 신경 쓰지 마. Silsuahan geo singyeong sseuji ma. Don't worry about the mistake.
나는 괜찮아. 신경 쓰지 마세요. Naneun gwaenchana. Singyeong sseuji maseyo. I'm fine. Don't worry about me.
그런 말 신경 쓰지 마. Geureon mal singyeong sseuji ma. Don't mind what they said.

See also

괜찮아요 걱정하지 마세요 됐어요
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

어떤 걸로 드릴까요? eotteon georo deulilkkayo Which one would you like? (service phrase) 귀찮아요 gwichanhayo It's bothersome / I can't be bothered -는 것 같다 -neun geot gatda Seems like / Appears to be
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FAQ

When is this used?

Used when someone is over-apologizing or worrying unnecessarily. Polite: 신경 쓰지 마세요. Can also sound dismissive if said rudely. Tone is everything.

What's a common mistake?

신경 써요 means "please pay attention/care" — the positive form. 신경 쓰지 마 is the negative. Don't confuse them.

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