A1 Expression Neutral

Man nesvarbu

It's not important to me

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A versatile Lithuanian expression used to signal indifference, flexibility, or a lack of preference in casual daily conversations.

  • Means: 'It doesn't matter to me' or 'I don't mind' (literally: To-me not-important).
  • Used in: Choosing food, deciding on plans, or reacting to minor news.
  • Don't confuse: Avoid using 'Aš nesvarbu' which means 'I am not important' as a person.
🤷‍♂️ + 🍕/🍔 = 'Man nesvarbu'

Explanation at your level:

In A1, you learn this as a fixed phrase. It's like 'I don't mind'. You use 'man' (to me) and 'nesvarbu' (not important). Use it when someone asks you a 'this or that' question. It's very easy and helps you sound natural quickly.
At the A2 level, you start to see how 'man' changes to 'tau' or 'mums'. You can use it to talk about other people's preferences. You also learn to add 'visai' (at all) to make it stronger: 'Man visai nesvarbu'.
In B1, you use the phrase to dismiss entire clauses. For example: 'Man nesvarbu, ką tu galvoji' (It doesn't matter to me what you think). You understand the difference between this and more formal versions like 'tai neturi didelės reikšmės'.
At B2, you recognize the nuance of tone. You know that 'Man nesvarbu' can be a polite way to defer to others or a sharp way to end an argument. You start using related idioms like 'man vienodai' or 'man dzin' in the right social circles.
C1 learners analyze the dative construction as a manifestation of the 'experiencer' role in Lithuanian syntax. You use the phrase in complex rhetorical structures to downplay certain variables in a debate or to express philosophical stoicism.
At C2, you master the pragmatic implications of indifference in Lithuanian discourse. You can distinguish between 'nesvarbu' as a predicate and its use as a discourse marker. You understand its etymological connection to the concept of 'weight' (svaras) and how this metaphors life's priorities.

Significado

Expressing indifference.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Lithuanians value 'paprastumas' (simplicity). Saying 'Man nesvarbu' often signals that you are easy-going and not a 'diva'. In formal meetings, 'Man nesvarbu' can sound unprofessional. Use 'Man tai nėra kritiška' (This is not critical to me) instead. Younger Lithuanians use 'Man dzin' or 'Man vienodai' much more frequently than the standard form in casual settings. The hashtag #nesvarbu is used for 'whatever' or 'mood' posts, often accompanied by a shrug emoji.

💡

The Shrug Factor

Combine the phrase with a small shrug and a neutral face to look like a true Lithuanian.

⚠️

Don't be too cold

If you use this too much with a partner, they might think you are losing interest in the relationship!

Significado

Expressing indifference.

💡

The Shrug Factor

Combine the phrase with a small shrug and a neutral face to look like a true Lithuanian.

⚠️

Don't be too cold

If you use this too much with a partner, they might think you are losing interest in the relationship!

🎯

Add 'Ai'

Starting with 'Ai, nesvarbu...' makes you sound much more like a native speaker when dismissing a minor point.

💬

Polite Alternative

If you want to be more polite, say 'Man tinka abu' (Both suit me) instead of just 'Man nesvarbu'.

Ponte a prueba

Which is the correct way to say 'I don't mind'?

Ar nori obuolio? - ________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Man nesvarbu

You must use the dative case 'man' for the person experiencing the indifference.

Fill in the correct dative pronoun for 'They don't care'.

________ nesvarbu, koks filmas.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Jiems

'Jiems' is the dative form of 'jie' (they).

Complete the dialogue with a polite expression of indifference.

Kolega: Ar susitinkame 10:00, ar 11:00 valandą? Tu: ________, abu laikai man tinka.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Man nesvarbu

'Man nesvarbu' shows you are flexible with the time.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are at a friend's house and they ask if you want water or juice. You are happy with either.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Man nesvarbu

This is the standard way to express lack of preference.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Formality Levels

Formal
Tai neturi reikšmės It has no meaning
Neutral
Man nesvarbu It doesn't matter to me
Slang
Man dzin I don't give a...

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually no, it's neutral. But if said with a mean tone, it can be dismissive.

Yes! 'Nesvarbu' alone means 'Never mind' or 'It doesn't matter'.

'Man nesvarbu' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'Man tas pats' is very casual.

Add 'visai': 'Man visai nesvarbu'.

Because in Lithuanian, indifference is a state that is 'to you', not something you 'do'.

Better not. It sounds like you lack motivation. Use 'Esu lankstus' (I am flexible) instead.

Yes, 'Man dzin' is very popular among young people.

No, it stays the same regardless of who is speaking.

Say 'Man tai svarbu' or 'Man tai rūpi'.

Yes, 'Man nesvarbu, kas jis toks' (I don't care who he is).

Frases relacionadas

🔄

Man vis tiek

synonym

It's all the same to me

🔄

Man tas pats

synonym

To me, the same

🔗

Man dzin

slang

I don't care / I don't give a damn

🔗

Nesvarbu

specialized form

Never mind

🔗

Man rūpi

contrast

I care / It matters to me

Dónde usarla

🍕

Ordering food

Draugas: Užsakome picą ar sušius?

Tu: Man nesvarbu, abu tinka.

informal
🎬

Choosing a movie

Mergina: Žiūrime komediją ar dramą?

Vaikinas: Man nesvarbu, rinkis tu.

informal
💼

At the office

Kolega: Ar galime susitikti penktą valandą?

Tu: Taip, man nesvarbu laikas.

neutral
📱

Texting a friend

Draugas: Oi, pamiršau tavo knygą!

Tu: Ai, nesvarbu. Atneši rytoj.

informal
🛍️

Shopping

Pardavėjas: Ar norite maišelio?

Tu: Man nesvarbu, galiu neštis rankose.

neutral
🗣️

Dealing with gossip

Kaimynas: Ar girdėjai, ką sakė Jonas?

Tu: Man nesvarbu, ką jis sako.

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Man' holding a 'Bar' (bu) that is 'Not-Heavy' (Nesvarbu).

Visual Association

Imagine a set of scales where both sides are perfectly level, and you are standing next to them with a shrug.

Rhyme

Man nesvarbu, ką darai tu.

Story

A man enters a shop and the clerk asks if he wants the red or blue box. The man shrugs and says 'Man nesvarbu'. He just wants to go home.

Word Web

svarbussvorisnesvarumassvarstyklessvarstytisvarba

Desafío

Next time someone asks you a simple choice (tea or coffee?), answer in Lithuanian: 'Man nesvarbu'.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

No me importa / Me da igual

Spanish uses 'dar' (to give) while Lithuanian uses the concept of 'weight'.

French high

Ça m'est égal

French focuses on 'equality' of choices, Lithuanian on 'lack of weight'.

German high

Das ist mir egal

German 'egal' is a loanword from French, while 'nesvarbu' is purely Baltic.

Japanese moderate

構わない (Kamawanai)

Japanese is more about 'not being bothered' (from the verb kamau).

Arabic high

لا يهمني (La yuhimuni)

Arabic uses a verbal structure, Lithuanian uses a noun/adjective root.

Chinese moderate

我不在乎 (Wǒ bù zàihū)

Chinese uses the nominative 'I' (Wǒ), unlike the Lithuanian dative.

Korean moderate

상관없어요 (Sanggwan eopseoyo)

Korean focuses on the 'lack of connection' between the event and the speaker.

Portuguese moderate

Tanto faz

Portuguese uses an idiomatic verbal phrase rather than a dative construction.

Easily Confused

Man nesvarbu vs Aš nesvarbu

Learners use 'Aš' (I) instead of 'Man' (To me).

Remember: Indifference is something that *happens to you*, so use the dative 'Man'.

Man nesvarbu vs Man nesvaru

Missing the 'b' changes the meaning to 'I feel weightless' or 'It's not clean'.

The 'b' is for 'bu' (important). No 'b', no importance!

Preguntas frecuentes (10)

Usually no, it's neutral. But if said with a mean tone, it can be dismissive.

Yes! 'Nesvarbu' alone means 'Never mind' or 'It doesn't matter'.

'Man nesvarbu' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'Man tas pats' is very casual.

Add 'visai': 'Man visai nesvarbu'.

Because in Lithuanian, indifference is a state that is 'to you', not something you 'do'.

Better not. It sounds like you lack motivation. Use 'Esu lankstus' (I am flexible) instead.

Yes, 'Man dzin' is very popular among young people.

No, it stays the same regardless of who is speaking.

Say 'Man tai svarbu' or 'Man tai rūpi'.

Yes, 'Man nesvarbu, kas jis toks' (I don't care who he is).

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