Meaning
Dismissing a small mistake.
Cultural Background
Poles often value 'skromność' (modesty). When you do a favor, saying 'nie ma sprawy' downplays your effort, which is seen as polite and humble. In cities like Warsaw or Kraków, the pace of life is fast. 'Nie ma sprawy, zapomnij' is used to quickly move past social friction and keep things efficient. Younger Poles often mix this with English-isms or heavy slang like 'spoko' or 'luz,' showing the influence of global culture on traditional Polish politeness. In modern Polish tech companies, the culture is often 'na ty' (informal). Here, 'nie ma sprawy' is common even between different levels of hierarchy.
Tone is everything
Say it with a smile and a slight wave of the hand to show you truly don't mind.
Watch the 'Ty' form
Remember that 'zapomnij' is informal. Don't use it with people you don't know well.
Meaning
Dismissing a small mistake.
Tone is everything
Say it with a smile and a slight wave of the hand to show you truly don't mind.
Watch the 'Ty' form
Remember that 'zapomnij' is informal. Don't use it with people you don't know well.
Add 'już'
Adding 'już' (already) to the end—'Nie ma sprawy, zapomnij już o tym'—makes it sound even more natural and reassuring.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the genitive case.
Przepraszam za spóźnienie. — Nie ma _______, zapomnij!
The phrase 'nie ma' always requires the genitive case. 'Sprawy' is the genitive form of 'sprawa.'
Which response is most appropriate for a friend who accidentally spilled water?
Ojej, przepraszam, że wylałem wodę!
This is the most natural, informal way to dismiss a small accident with a friend.
Complete the dialogue with the correct imperative form.
Ania: Sorki, że nie oddałam ci książki. Tomek: Nie ma sprawy, _________ o tym.
The perfective imperative 'zapomnij' is used to tell someone to forget something completely.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who apologized for a typo.
With a boss, you should use a more formal register and avoid the direct 'zapomnij.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrzepraszam za spóźnienie. — Nie ma _______, zapomnij!
The phrase 'nie ma' always requires the genitive case. 'Sprawy' is the genitive form of 'sprawa.'
Ojej, przepraszam, że wylałem wodę!
This is the most natural, informal way to dismiss a small accident with a friend.
Ania: Sorki, że nie oddałam ci książki. Tomek: Nie ma sprawy, _________ o tym.
The perfective imperative 'zapomnij' is used to tell someone to forget something completely.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who apologized for a typo.
With a boss, you should use a more formal register and avoid the direct 'zapomnij.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Nie ma sprawy' is a complete sentence on its own. Adding 'zapomnij' just makes it more emphatic and friendly.
Both are equally common. 'Nie ma problemu' is a bit more 'modern' and influenced by English, while 'nie ma sprawy' feels slightly more traditionally Polish.
In an informal email to a colleague or friend, yes. In a formal business email, use 'Nie ma problemu' or 'Nic nie szkodzi.'
Change 'zapomnij' to 'zapomnijcie.' For example: 'Nie ma sprawy, zapomnijcie o tym.'
Grammatically yes, but socially no. It's a 'soft' imperative used for reassurance, not to give orders.
If they apologize for a small delay, 'Nie ma sprawy' is fine, but skip 'zapomnij' as it might be too informal.
Using the nominative 'sprawa' instead of the genitive 'sprawy' after 'nie ma.'
No. If you say it while looking angry, it will sound very sarcastic and passive-aggressive.
Yes, 'Spoko, zapomnij' or just 'Spoko' is the most common slang version.
You would say 'Proszę o tym zapomnieć' or 'Proszę się tym nie przejmować.'
Related Phrases
nie ma za co
similarYou're welcome / Don't mention it
nic nie szkodzi
synonymNo harm done
daj spokój
similarLet it go / Give it a rest
nieważne
similarIt doesn't matter / Never mind
spoko
specialized formCool / It's fine
