Meaning
Used to downplay a problem or mistake.
Cultural Background
In Dalmatia, 'Ništa strašno' is part of the 'fjaka' and 'pomalo' lifestyle. People are generally more relaxed about time and minor errors. In Zagreb, people might be slightly more formal, but 'Ništa strašno' is still the standard way to maintain 'Građanska kultura' (civilized culture) and avoid public scenes. In Croatian business, saying 'Ništa strašno' to a client's mistake can build significant goodwill and trust, as it shows you are a problem-solver, not a blame-shifter. Younger generations often shorten it to just 'Ništa' or use the slang 'Opušteno' (Relaxed), but 'Ništa strašno' remains the most versatile version.
Add 'Ma'
Adding 'Ma' at the beginning ('Ma, ništa strašno') makes you sound 10x more like a native speaker.
Watch your tone
If said with a sarcastic tone, it can mean the exact opposite (that something IS a big deal).
Meaning
Used to downplay a problem or mistake.
Add 'Ma'
Adding 'Ma' at the beginning ('Ma, ništa strašno') makes you sound 10x more like a native speaker.
Watch your tone
If said with a sarcastic tone, it can mean the exact opposite (that something IS a big deal).
The Wave
Pair the phrase with a small 'brushing away' motion with your hand for maximum cultural authenticity.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to the following situation: Someone accidentally steps on your foot in the bus and says 'Oprostite!'
Oprostite! (I'm sorry!)
'Ništa strašno' is the natural way to accept a minor apology.
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Oprosti što kasnim. — Ma, ______ strašno!
The fixed expression is 'Ništa strašno'.
Match the situation with the most appropriate use of 'Ništa strašno'.
Situation: You are late for a coffee date with a friend.
The person who was 'wronged' (the one waiting) uses the phrase to reassure the one who is late.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Pacijent: Doktore, boli me ruka. Je li slomljena? Doktor: Ne, samo je nagnječena. ______.
The doctor uses it to reassure the patient that the injury is not serious.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ništa Strašno vs. Nema Veze
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOprostite! (I'm sorry!)
'Ništa strašno' is the natural way to accept a minor apology.
Oprosti što kasnim. — Ma, ______ strašno!
The fixed expression is 'Ništa strašno'.
Situation: You are late for a coffee date with a friend.
The person who was 'wronged' (the one waiting) uses the phrase to reassure the one who is late.
Pacijent: Doktore, boli me ruka. Je li slomljena? Doktor: Ne, samo je nagnječena. ______.
The doctor uses it to reassure the patient that the injury is not serious.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if the interviewer apologizes for a small delay or a technical glitch, it's a great way to show you are calm.
Usually no. It's better to say 'Oprostite' first. If you say 'Ništa strašno' about your own mistake, it might seem like you don't care.
'Nema problema' is more about a task or request, while 'Ništa strašno' is about an apology or a negative event.
It's a tapped 'r', similar to the 'tt' in the American English pronunciation of 'butter'.
Yes, this phrase is identical and equally common in Serbian and Bosnian.
Yes, 'Nije strašno' (It's not terrible) is also very common and means the same thing.
Only if you are being very brave or trying to hide your feelings. Usually, it's too light for that.
Just saying 'Ma, ništa' with a shrug.
No, it can also be an adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
No, as an abstract expression, it's always singular neuter.
Related Phrases
Nema veze
synonymIt doesn't matter
Sve je u redu
similarEverything is fine
Nema problema
synonymNo problem
Užasno
contrastTerrible/Horrible
Ma, pusti to
builds onOh, let it go
