Meaning
Indicating that something is of minor significance.
Cultural Background
Using this phrase is a key part of 'Ta'arof.' It shows you are not 'por-tava'o' (demanding) and that you value social peace over material things. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, this phrase is often shortened to 'مهم نیست' to save time, but the 'kheyli' is added back when you want to be extra polite. In Dari Persian, 'بسیار مهم نیست' (Besyar mohem nist) is more common than 'kheyli,' but 'kheyli' is understood due to Iranian media influence. Tajik speakers might use 'موهم نیست' (Muham nest) but often prefer 'باک نیست' (Bok nest), which is a more classical Persian way of saying 'no problem.'
The Smile Factor
Always pair this phrase with a small smile or a reassuring nod to ensure it's taken as a kindness, not a dismissal.
Avoid Overuse
If you say 'خیلی مهم نیست' to everything, people might think you are indifferent or lazy. Use it selectively for genuine minor issues.
Meaning
Indicating that something is of minor significance.
The Smile Factor
Always pair this phrase with a small smile or a reassuring nod to ensure it's taken as a kindness, not a dismissal.
Avoid Overuse
If you say 'خیلی مهم نیست' to everything, people might think you are indifferent or lazy. Use it selectively for genuine minor issues.
The Ta'arof Pivot
After saying it's not important, immediately change the subject to something positive to make the other person feel even better.
Faday-e Saret
If you are with very close friends, try 'Faday-e saret' instead. It will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: ببخشید که کتابت را کثیف کردم! B: ___________، یکی دیگر میخرم.
The speaker is forgiving a mistake, so 'It's not very important' is the best fit.
Fill in the missing word.
این موضوع برای من خیلی ____ نیست.
The phrase is 'خیلی مهم نیست'.
Match the response 'خیلی مهم نیست' to the correct situation.
In which situation is 'خیلی مهم نیست' most appropriate?
It is used for minor, non-serious issues.
Which of these is a formal version of the phrase?
Formal alternative to 'خیلی مهم نیست':
This uses high-level vocabulary ('ha'eze ahammiyat') suitable for formal writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'خیلی مهم نیست'
Social Mistakes
- • Lateness
- • Spilling a drink
- • Forgetting a name
Daily Life
- • Small typos
- • Wrong change
- • Out of stock items
Work
- • Rescheduling
- • Minor errors
- • Technical glitches
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: ببخشید که کتابت را کثیف کردم! B: ___________، یکی دیگر میخرم.
The speaker is forgiving a mistake, so 'It's not very important' is the best fit.
این موضوع برای من خیلی ____ نیست.
The phrase is 'خیلی مهم نیست'.
In which situation is 'خیلی مهم نیست' most appropriate?
It is used for minor, non-serious issues.
Formal alternative to 'خیلی مهم نیست':
This uses high-level vocabulary ('ha'eze ahammiyat') suitable for formal writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, if you are responding to their apology for a minor mistake (like a typo on the board). However, don't use it to describe their homework assignment!
'Kheyli' adds a layer of politeness and emphasis, making it softer. 'Mohem nist' is more direct and can sometimes sound a bit blunt.
Yes, for minor things like a rescheduled meeting. For more formal issues, use 'مشکلی نیست' (moshkoli nist).
You change 'nist' to 'nabood': 'خیلی مهم نبود'.
Yes, though they might say 'Besyar mohem nist' more often, 'Kheyli' is widely understood.
If you say it with a cold tone, it becomes passive-aggressive. It's better to be honest or use a more formal 'I'm upset' if the situation is serious.
The most common slang is 'بیخیال' (Bi-khial) or 'ولش کن' (Velesh kon).
Not exactly. It's only 'You're welcome' in the specific context of someone saying 'Sorry.' If they say 'Thank you,' use 'Khahesh mikonam'.
Be careful. 'He is not very important' (Oon kheyli mohem nist) can be very insulting unless you are talking about a minor character in a story.
It is an Arabic loanword that is fully integrated into Persian.
Use 'خیلی خیلی مهمه' (Kheyli kheyli moheme) or 'حیاتی است' (Hayati ast - It is vital).
It's part of the culture of 'Gozasht' (forgiveness) and 'Ta'arof' (etiquette), aiming to keep social interactions pleasant.
Related Phrases
اشکالی ندارد
synonymNo problem / No objection
فدای سرت
similarMay it be a sacrifice for your head
بیخیال
informalForget it / Never mind
عیبی ندارد
synonymThere is no fault/defect
مهم این است که...
builds onThe important thing is that...
اصلاً مهم نیست
specialized formIt doesn't matter at all
