不要紧 búyàojǐn unimportant
unimportant; not serious; it doesn't matter; never mind; it looks all right, but
How to remember 不要紧: 不 not + 要 want + 紧 tight = unimportant.
Characters
How it is used
- 'It doesn't matter / never mind' - reassuring someone. 不要紧，慢慢来 (búyàojǐn, mànman lái) it's fine, take your time.
- Also 'not serious': 伤得不要紧 (shāng de búyàojǐn) the injury isn't serious.
- There's a 'looks fine but…' twist: 这一看不要紧，吓了一跳 - 'took one look and, no big deal? - got a shock.' Context flips it. 要紧 (yàojǐn) = important/urgent.
Example sentences
- 稍微冷点儿不要紧。 Shāowēi lěng diǎnér búyàojǐn.I don't care if it's a bit cold.