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no pasa nada

Three words that answer almost every small apology, worry or mishap in the Spanish-speaking world.

Quick answer

no pasa nada

Natural: no worries / it’s fine / never mind
Literal: “nothing happens”

How it is used

— Perdón, llego tarde. — No pasa nada.— Sorry I’m late. — No worries.
Se me ha roto el vaso. — No pasa nada.I’ve broken the glass. — Never mind.
No pasa nada si no puedes venir.It’s fine if you can’t come.
Tranquilo, no pasa nada.Relax, it’s all fine.

Where it is said

Everywhere, but especially Spanish-from-Spain in frequency. Mexico: no hay problema, ni modo. Argentina: no hay drama.

A mini dialogue

— Oye, no puedo quedar mañana.— Hey, I can’t meet up tomorrow.
— No pasa nada, ¿el jueves?— No worries, Thursday?

Watch out

no pasa nada

Not for serious matters. If someone’s father is ill, no pasa nada sounds cold — you want lo siento mucho. And it answers an apology, not thanks: after gracias the reply is de nada.

Check yourself

Someone says “gracias”. You reply:

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