Bedeutung
Saying that something is not a problem.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Using 'Non è niente' is a key part of 'Bella Figura'. It shows you are generous and not easily bothered by small inconveniences. In the South, a quick upward chin flick often accompanies 'Niente', reinforcing the message non-verbally. Italian parents use this phrase constantly to soothe children who fall, teaching them resilience and that 'it's nothing' serious. When hosting, Italians use this to downplay the effort of cooking, even if they spent all day in the kitchen.
The Smile Factor
Always deliver this phrase with a small smile or a friendly nod to ensure it sounds reassuring rather than dismissive.
Don't drop the 'Non'
Saying just 'È niente' sounds like a philosophical statement about the void, not a polite response.
Bedeutung
Saying that something is not a problem.
The Smile Factor
Always deliver this phrase with a small smile or a friendly nod to ensure it sounds reassuring rather than dismissive.
Don't drop the 'Non'
Saying just 'È niente' sounds like a philosophical statement about the void, not a polite response.
Pair with 'Figurati'
For extra native-level points, say 'Non è niente, figurati!' to sound incredibly natural.
Modesty is Key
Even if you did something difficult, saying 'Non è niente' makes you look more capable and cool.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the response to the apology.
A: Scusa per il ritardo! B: ____ è niente, entra pure.
The full phrase is 'Non è niente'.
Match the situation to the best use of 'Non è niente'.
Someone thanks you for holding the elevator.
It's a polite way to say 'You're welcome' for a small favor.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct Italian sentence.
Italian requires the 'non' before the verb when 'niente' follows it.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Marco: 'Ti ho rotto la penna, scusami tanto!' Giulia: 'Tranquillo, ________. Ne ho un'altra.'
Giulia is dismissing the minor accident of the broken pen.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Prego vs. Non è niente
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenA: Scusa per il ritardo! B: ____ è niente, entra pure.
The full phrase is 'Non è niente'.
Someone thanks you for holding the elevator.
It's a polite way to say 'You're welcome' for a small favor.
Select the correct Italian sentence.
Italian requires the 'non' before the verb when 'niente' follows it.
Marco: 'Ti ho rotto la penna, scusami tanto!' Giulia: 'Tranquillo, ________. Ne ho un'altra.'
Giulia is dismissing the minor accident of the broken pen.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, in very informal situations or when texting, 'Niente' or 'Di niente' is common, but 'Non è niente' is more complete.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss for a minor thing or with a best friend.
'Prego' is the standard 'You're welcome.' 'Non è niente' is more modest and specifically minimizes the favor or mistake.
Yes! If you fall and someone asks if you're okay, 'Non è niente' means 'I'm fine/It's nothing.'
Italian uses double negatives for emphasis. 'Non' + 'niente' reinforces the idea of 'nothingness.'
Yes, 'nulla' is just a slightly more formal or literary word for 'niente'.
If you make a tiny slip of the tongue and apologize, yes. But for bigger things, use 'Mi scusi'.
Literally yes, but idiomatically no. It always means 'It is nothing.'
A light shrug or a small wave of the hand (palm down) is perfect.
Yes, it is a universal Italian expression from North to South.
No, that would be 'Non mi importa' or 'Non mi interessa.'
N-O-N (space) È (with grave accent) (space) N-I-E-N-T-E.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Di niente
synonymYou're welcome
Non fa niente
similarIt doesn't matter
Figurati
similarDon't mention it
Prego
similarYou're welcome
Non c'è di che
similarDon't mention it
