Meaning
Advising someone not to bother with or focus on something.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Jeong' (social bonding) culture where people often over-worry about others. Saying this is a way to maintain harmony without causing stress. In offices, this phrase is used by seniors to tell juniors to focus on their own work rather than worrying about the senior's mood or minor errors. Netizens use '신경 ㄴㄴ' to dismiss 'haters' or trolls, showing a modern, cool attitude toward criticism. Korean hospitality (K-Service) often involves the staff taking all the 'nerves' so the customer doesn't have to. This phrase is the verbal manifestation of that service.
Softening the blow
Add '전혀' (jeon-hyeo - at all) before '신경' to make the reassurance even stronger: '전혀 신경 쓸 필요 없어요!'
Avoid with elders
If an elder is genuinely worried about you, using this might seem like you are dismissing their care. Use '걱정해 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for worrying about me) instead.
Meaning
Advising someone not to bother with or focus on something.
Softening the blow
Add '전혀' (jeon-hyeo - at all) before '신경' to make the reassurance even stronger: '전혀 신경 쓸 필요 없어요!'
Avoid with elders
If an elder is genuinely worried about you, using this might seem like you are dismissing their care. Use '걱정해 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for worrying about me) instead.
The 'Nunchi' Master
Use this phrase when you see someone looking around anxiously (using nunchi). It makes you look socially intelligent and kind.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'necessity'.
그 일은 이제 {신경|神經} 쓸 (____) 없어요.
The standard phrase uses '필요' (necessity). '이유' (reason) could work but is less common in this specific idiom.
Which response is most appropriate for a minor mistake?
A: '죄송해요, 제가 서류를 집에 두고 왔어요.' B: '괜찮아요. (____)'
Option 1 is the most polite and reassuring. Option 2 is rude.
Complete the dialogue using the formal version of the phrase.
손님: '너무 늦게 주문해서 죄송합니다.' 직원: '아닙니다. (____).'
In a service context (staff to customer), the formal honorific version '신경 쓰지 않으셔도 됩니다' is most appropriate.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Situation: A friend is worried about a small pimple on their face before a party.
The phrase is used here to minimize a minor worry.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그 일은 이제 {신경|神經} 쓸 (____) 없어요.
The standard phrase uses '필요' (necessity). '이유' (reason) could work but is less common in this specific idiom.
A: '죄송해요, 제가 서류를 집에 두고 왔어요.' B: '괜찮아요. (____)'
Option 1 is the most polite and reassuring. Option 2 is rude.
손님: '너무 늦게 주문해서 죄송합니다.' 직원: '아닙니다. (____).'
In a service context (staff to customer), the formal honorific version '신경 쓰지 않으셔도 됩니다' is most appropriate.
Situation: A friend is worried about a small pimple on their face before a party.
The phrase is used here to minimize a minor worry.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt can be. If the boss is apologizing, it's okay. If you're telling the boss not to look at your work, it's very rude. Use '신경 쓰지 않으셔도 됩니다' to be safer.
'Gwaenchana' means 'I am okay.' '신경 쓸 필요 없어요' means 'You don't need to worry.' The latter is more focused on the other person's mental state.
No. For big problems, it sounds dismissive. Use '걱정 마세요' (Don't worry) for serious issues.
You can say '신경 쓸 필요 없어' or even simpler, '신경 쓰지 마~'.
Yes, {神經|神經} {必要|必要} are the Hanja roots, though we always write them in Hangul.
Related Phrases
걱정 마세요
synonymDon't worry.
상관없어요
similarIt doesn't matter / I don't care.
신경 끄세요
contrastMind your own business.
별거 아니에요
similarIt's no big deal.
