Meaning
An informal way to tell someone not to let something bother them.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key part of 'Baeryeo' (consideration). By saying this, you are actively reducing the 'social debt' the other person feels they owe you after a mistake. In offices, this phrase is used by seniors to put juniors at ease. It signals a 'cool' and approachable boss who doesn't sweat the small stuff. Often used by the 'tsundere' (cold on the outside, warm on the inside) male lead to show he cares about the female lead without being too emotional. On platforms like AfreecaTV or YouTube Live, creators use this to tell fans not to worry about 'haters' in the chat.
The 'Double Reassurance'
Always pair it with '괜찮아요' (It's okay). Saying '괜찮아요, 신경 쓰지 마요' sounds 10x more natural and kind than just the phrase alone.
Tone Matters
If you say it with a flat tone and no smile, it can sound like 'I don't care about you.' Use a soft, rising intonation at the end to sound warm.
Meaning
An informal way to tell someone not to let something bother them.
The 'Double Reassurance'
Always pair it with '괜찮아요' (It's okay). Saying '괜찮아요, 신경 쓰지 마요' sounds 10x more natural and kind than just the phrase alone.
Tone Matters
If you say it with a flat tone and no smile, it can sound like 'I don't care about you.' Use a soft, rising intonation at the end to sound warm.
Declining Help
When declining help, add a reason like '혼자 할 수 있어요' (I can do it alone) so you don't sound like you're rejecting the person's kindness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to politely tell a colleague not to worry about a small mistake.
A: 죄송합니다. 서류를 깜빡했어요. B: 괜찮아요. 너무 (______) 마세요.
'신경 쓰지 마세요' is the most natural and polite way to dismiss a small work mistake.
Which response is the most appropriate when a friend offers to help you but you want to politely decline?
친구: 제가 도와줄까요? 많이 힘들어 보여요.
This response is polite and provides a reason, making it socially smooth.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
가: 어제 내가 한 말 때문에 화났어? 미안해. 나: 아니, 전혀. (______).
Since the speakers are using informal language ('화났어?', '미안해'), the casual '신경 쓰지 마' is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are telling a younger sibling to ignore what some bullies said at school.
Informal 'Banmal' is appropriate for a younger sibling.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Don't Worry vs. Don't Mind
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 죄송합니다. 서류를 깜빡했어요. B: 괜찮아요. 너무 (______) 마세요.
'신경 쓰지 마세요' is the most natural and polite way to dismiss a small work mistake.
친구: 제가 도와줄까요? 많이 힘들어 보여요.
This response is polite and provides a reason, making it socially smooth.
가: 어제 내가 한 말 때문에 화났어? 미안해. 나: 아니, 전혀. (______).
Since the speakers are using informal language ('화났어?', '미안해'), the casual '신경 쓰지 마' is correct.
Situation: You are telling a younger sibling to ignore what some bullies said at school.
Informal 'Banmal' is appropriate for a younger sibling.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. With much older people or superiors, it's better to use '신경 쓰지 마세요' or '개의치 마십시오.' The '-요' version is best for colleagues or people of similar age.
'걱정 마' is 'Don't worry' (about a bad outcome). '신경 쓰지 마' is 'Don't bother/Don't pay attention' (to a small thing).
Yes, but your tone will change. If you say it sharply, it means 'Stop bothering me.'
It's a Hanja word where 'Shin' is spirit and 'Gyeong' is path. It reflects the traditional view of the body's energy pathways.
Yes, '신경 꺼' is the slang/aggressive version. Use it only with very close friends or when you are angry.
Absolutely! It's very common in KakaoTalk. You can even write it as '신경 ㄴㄴ' (ㄴㄴ = no no) in very casual chat.
It can, but usually it's more like 'Don't YOU care/worry.' If you want to say 'I don't care,' you'd say '상관없어요.'
You can say '저한테 신경 쓰지 마요.'
No, it's the standard polite form. In fast speech, it flows quickly.
It's better to use '걱정하지 마세요' for serious problems. '신경 쓰지 마요' is for smaller, annoying things.
Related Phrases
{걱정|}하지 마요
similarDon't worry.
괜찮아요
similarIt's okay.
{신경|} 꺼
contrastMind your own business (rude).
개의치 마세요
specialized formDon't mind it (formal).
별거 아니에요
builds onIt's no big deal.
