Meaning
Advising someone not to be anxious or distressed.
Cultural Background
Reassurance is often paired with food. If someone is worried, a Korean might say '걱정 마세요' followed by '밥 먹으러 가요' (Let's go eat), as sharing a meal is the ultimate form of comfort. In Korean companies, saying '걱정 마세요' to a boss can be risky if you haven't actually solved the problem. It's better to provide a status update first. On platforms like Instagram or KakaoTalk, users often use '걱정 ㄴㄴ' (No No), where 'ㄴㄴ' stands for 'No No' in Korean slang. Parents often say '걱정 마' to children to show strength, even when things are difficult. It's a way of maintaining the family hierarchy of protection.
The 'Banmal' Shortcut
If you're with friends, just say '걱정 마'. It's punchy and sounds very native.
Don't be too dismissive
If someone is really crying, saying '걱정 마세요' too quickly can seem like you're not listening. Pair it with a hug or a listening ear.
Meaning
Advising someone not to be anxious or distressed.
The 'Banmal' Shortcut
If you're with friends, just say '걱정 마'. It's punchy and sounds very native.
Don't be too dismissive
If someone is really crying, saying '걱정 마세요' too quickly can seem like you're not listening. Pair it with a hug or a listening ear.
The 'Fighting' Connection
Often used with '화이팅!' (Fighting!). '걱정 마세요! 화이팅!' is the ultimate encouragement combo.
Shortening the Verb
Remember that '걱정 마세요' is the shortened version of '걱정하지 마세요'. Both are correct, but the short one is more common in speech.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
미안해요. 제가 늦었어요. / 아니에요, 걱정 (____).
Since the first person used '미안해요' (polite), the response should also be polite.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a close friend?
Friend: '나 시험 떨어지면 어떡하지?' (What if I fail the exam?)
With close friends, the informal 'Banmal' form '걱정 마' is the most natural.
Complete the dialogue in a professional setting.
Client: '프로젝트가 제시간에 끝날까요?' / Manager: '네, (____). 저희 팀이 열심히 하고 있습니다.'
In a formal business context with a client, the '-십시오' ending is most professional.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone spilled water on your desk and is very sorry.
The first option addresses the spill ('I can just wipe it').
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises미안해요. 제가 늦었어요. / 아니에요, 걱정 (____).
Since the first person used '미안해요' (polite), the response should also be polite.
Friend: '나 시험 떨어지면 어떡하지?' (What if I fail the exam?)
With close friends, the informal 'Banmal' form '걱정 마' is the most natural.
Client: '프로젝트가 제시간에 끝날까요?' / Manager: '네, (____). 저희 팀이 열심히 하고 있습니다.'
In a formal business context with a client, the '-십시오' ending is most professional.
Someone spilled water on your desk and is very sorry.
The first option addresses the spill ('I can just wipe it').
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's not rude, but '염려 마십시오' is more respectful and professional.
'걱정' is native Korean and used in daily life. '염려' is Hanja-based and sounds more formal/literary.
Yes, but it's less common than '걱정 마세요' and can sound slightly informal or soft.
You can say '걱정 ㄴㄴ' (Gok-jeong No-No) in texts.
Yes, but it can also mean 'No problem' or 'It's fine' when responding to an apology.
The verb '말다' is irregular. When it meets '-(으)세요', the 'ㄹ' drops out.
No, for fear use '무서워하지 마세요'. '걱정' is for anxiety/worry.
Yes, '걱정하지 마십시오' or '염려하지 마십시오'.
Say '걱정돼요' (Gok-jeong-dwae-yo).
Yes, use '걱정 마' (informal).
Yes, the phrase is common across the peninsula, though they may have different preferred honorifics.
Yes, if they seem worried or apologize to you, it is very polite.
Related Phrases
괜찮아요
similarIt's okay / I'm fine
염려 마세요
specialized formPlease don't be concerned
안심하세요
similarPlease set your mind at ease
신경 쓰지 마세요
similarDon't pay it any mind
다 잘 될 거예요
builds onEverything will be fine
