Meaning
Saying it is okay after an apology.
Cultural Background
Slovaks often use this phrase to avoid 'making a scene'. It's part of a social contract where minor inconveniences are ignored to keep the atmosphere 'v pohode' (chill). There is a shared stoicism across Slovakia, Czechia, and Poland. Phrases like this reflect a history of resilience where small daily mishaps are truly viewed as insignificant. In Slovak offices, using this phrase helps build rapport. It shows you are a team player who doesn't blame others for small mistakes. Slovak hospitality is legendary. A host will use 'Nič sa nestalo' to ensure a guest never feels like a burden, even if the guest causes a minor mess.
Smile while saying it
The phrase is about social warmth. A small smile makes it much more convincing.
Avoid 'To je jedno'
Be careful not to use 'To je jedno' as a synonym; it can sound like you are annoyed or dismissive.
Meaning
Saying it is okay after an apology.
Smile while saying it
The phrase is about social warmth. A small smile makes it much more convincing.
Avoid 'To je jedno'
Be careful not to use 'To je jedno' as a synonym; it can sound like you are annoyed or dismissive.
Add 'V poriadku'
Saying 'V poriadku, nič sa nestalo' makes you sound very fluent and polite.
The 'Pohoda' factor
Slovaks love 'pohoda' (peace/chill). This phrase is your best tool to maintain it.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct response to the following apology: 'Prepáč, že meškám!'
Prepáč, že meškám!
'Nič sa nestalo' is the standard way to accept an apology. 'Prosím' means 'Please/You're welcome', and 'Nič sa stalo' is grammatically incorrect (missing negation).
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Nič ___ nestalo.
The reflexive particle 'sa' is required for the verb 'stať sa' (to happen).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'Nič sa nestalo'.
Someone accidentally spills a drop of water on your notebook.
The phrase is meant to be reassuring and friendly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ospravedlňujem sa za ten hluk. B: ________, deti sa len hrajú.
B is dismissing the apology for the noise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrepáč, že meškám!
'Nič sa nestalo' is the standard way to accept an apology. 'Prosím' means 'Please/You're welcome', and 'Nič sa stalo' is grammatically incorrect (missing negation).
Nič ___ nestalo.
The reflexive particle 'sa' is required for the verb 'stať sa' (to happen).
Someone accidentally spills a drop of water on your notebook.
The phrase is meant to be reassuring and friendly.
A: Ospravedlňujem sa za ten hluk. B: ________, deti sa len hrajú.
B is dismissing the apology for the noise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but it will sound sarcastic. If you are truly upset, it's better to say 'To ma mrzí' or explain why you are bothered.
It is always 'Nič sa nestalo'. The word order is fixed for this expression.
'To nič' is just a shorter, more informal version. They are interchangeable in casual speech.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for a professional environment.
Yes, but 99% of the time it is used figuratively to mean 'It's okay'.
Because 'nič' is a neuter pronoun, and the verb must agree with it in gender.
Yes, 'V pohode' or 'Nerieš' (Don't solve it/Don't worry about it).
No. For 'Thank you', use 'Prosím' or 'Niet za čo'.
Yes, it is a universal Slovak expression used from Bratislava to Košice.
Like the 'ch' in 'chocolate'.
Related Phrases
To nič
synonymIt's nothing
V pohode
similarIn cool / It's cool
To je v poriadku
similarThat is in order
Nič sa nedeje
similarNothing is happening
Niet za čo
contrastNothing for what
Prepáčte
builds onForgive me / Sorry
