Meaning
Used to reassure someone that there is no cause for concern or anxiety.
Cultural Background
In business, this phrase is often used to show that a project is under control. However, if you are the one who caused the problem, you should first apologize with 'Moushiwake gozaimasen' before reassuring them. Hosts use this phrase to make guests feel comfortable. If a guest spills a drink, the host will say this immediately to prevent the guest from feeling 'Meiwaku' (like a nuisance). Japanese doctors often use this phrase to maintain a calm atmosphere. It is part of the 'Anshin' (peace of mind) culture in Japanese healthcare. When someone offers help, Japanese people often decline first out of politeness. '{心配|しんぱい}は{要|い}りません' is a polite way to say 'I can handle it myself, please don't trouble yourself.'
Add 'Yo' for Warmth
Adding '{よ|yo}' at the end makes you sound much more caring and less like a robot.
Don't use with 'Ga'
'{心配|しんぱい}がいりません' sounds like a grammatical explanation rather than a natural reassurance.
Meaning
Used to reassure someone that there is no cause for concern or anxiety.
Add 'Yo' for Warmth
Adding '{よ|yo}' at the end makes you sound much more caring and less like a robot.
Don't use with 'Ga'
'{心配|しんぱい}がいりません' sounds like a grammatical explanation rather than a natural reassurance.
The Power of a Smile
In Japan, this phrase is often accompanied by a small bow or a gentle smile to convey sincerity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle and verb to complete the polite reassurance.
{心配|しんぱい}（ ）{要|い}り（ ）。
The standard polite form is '{心配|しんぱい}は{要|い}りません'.
Which of these is the most appropriate response when a customer is worried about a small mistake in their order?
客：すみません、注文を間違えてしまいました。 店員：...
Option 'a' is polite and professional. 'c' is too casual for a shop setting.
Match the Japanese phrase to its formality level.
1. {心配|しんぱい}ないよ 2. {心配|しんぱい}は{要|い}りません 3. {御|ご}{心配|しんぱい}にはおよびません
The length and use of honorifics (go-, -masen, -oyobimasen) determine the formality.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: {明日|あした}の{天気|てんき}が{悪|わる}そうですね。{旅行|りょこう}は{大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}ですか？ B: {新幹線|しんかんせん}で行きますから、（ ）。
B is reassuring A that the trip will be fine despite the weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{心配|しんぱい}（ ）{要|い}り（ ）。
The standard polite form is '{心配|しんぱい}は{要|い}りません'.
客：すみません、注文を間違えてしまいました。 店員：...
Option 'a' is polite and professional. 'c' is too casual for a shop setting.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The length and use of honorifics (go-, -masen, -oyobimasen) determine the formality.
A: {明日|あした}の{天気|てんき}が{悪|わる}そうですね。{旅行|りょこう}は{大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}ですか？ B: {新幹線|しんかんせん}で行きますから、（ ）。
B is reassuring A that the trip will be fine despite the weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is polite enough for a boss, especially if you are reassuring them about a task you are handling.
'Daijoubu' means 'It's okay.' '{心配|しんぱい}は{要|い}りません' specifically means 'You don't need to worry.' Use the latter when the other person looks anxious.
Absolutely. It's very common in business emails to reassure clients.
Yes, '{心配|しんぱい}ないです' is slightly shorter and a bit less formal.
You say '{心配|しんぱい}しています' (I am worrying).
Yes, it's a kind way to tell them the medicine or treatment will work.
It can sound dismissive if your tone is too sharp. Keep it soft and gentle.
The casual version is '{心配|しんぱい}ないよ' (Shinpai nai yo).
Usually, you use it for others. For yourself, you'd say '{心配|しんぱい}していません' (I'm not worried).
It is a noun that can become a verb by adding 'suru'. In this phrase, it is used as a noun.
'Wa' marks 'worry' as the topic we are talking about, which is the standard way to form this reassurance.
Yes, all the time! Heroes often say it to the people they are protecting.
No, if you are apologizing, you are the one causing worry. Use 'Gomen nasai' or 'Moushiwake gozaimasen' instead.
'{御|ご}{心配|しんぱい}にはおよびません' is the most formal version.
Related Phrases
{大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}です
similarIt's okay / I'm fine
{気|き}にしないでください
similarPlease don't pay it any mind
{御|ご}{心配|しんぱい}なく
specialized formPlease be without worry
{安心|あんしん}してください
similarPlease feel at ease
{心配|しんぱい}ご{無用|むよう}
specialized formWorry is useless/unnecessary
