In this workshop, you will practice short Japanese phrases that people use when they want to say “never mind,” “it’s okay,” or “don’t worry about it.” These phrases are useful in everyday situations, such as when someone apologizes for a small mistake. You will listen to short recorded lines, understand their English meaning, and then practice speaking both roles in simple scenes. The goal is not to memorize a long conversation. Instead, you will learn a few polite, natural replies and use them in guided speaking tasks. You can play both the person who apologizes and the person who replies. There is no automatic scoring, so use the answer keys and self-checks to compare your speaking with the recorded examples.
Useful Phrases for “Never Mind” and “It’s Okay”
Start by listening to four short phrases. Each one can help you reply when someone says sorry or when you want to say that something is not a problem. «気にしないで» means “Never mind” or “Don’t worry about it.” «なんでもない» also means “Never mind” or “It’s nothing.” «気にしないでください» means “Please don’t worry about it.” «大丈夫です» means “It’s okay” or “No problem.” These are short, common lines. Listen to each recording once, then repeat it slowly. Pay attention to the rhythm and the polite tone. You do not need to add extra words. In many beginner conversations, one of these short phrases is enough.
A Small Apology Scene
Now listen to a short scene between two speakers. Speaker A says «あ、ごめん。あなたのペンを落としちゃった。», which means “Oh, sorry. I dropped your pen.” Speaker B replies with «気にしないで。大丈夫だよ。», which means “Never mind. It’s okay.” In this scene, Speaker A is the person who made a small mistake. Speaker B is the person who replies and shows that the mistake is not a problem. After you understand the scene, practice both roles. First, say Speaker A’s line. Then, answer with Speaker B’s line. You can also switch roles. This helps you get used to both the apology and the reply.
A Stronger Apology and a Calm Reply
Here is another short scene. Speaker A says «本当にごめんね。», which means “I’m really sorry.” Speaker B replies with «なんでもないよ。気にしないで。», which means “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” This scene is similar to the first one, but the apology sounds stronger. Speaker B’s reply is calm and reassuring. Listen to both lines and notice how the reply helps close the conversation. When you practice, keep your voice gentle and steady. You are not arguing or explaining. You are simply saying that the other person does not need to worry.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
気にしないで
Never mind / Don't worry about it
ki ni shinaide
なんでもない
Never mind / It's nothing
nan demo nai
気にしないでください
Please don't worry about it
ki ni shinaide kudasai
大丈夫です
It's okay / No problem
daijoubu desu
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
あ、ごめん。あなたのペンを落としちゃった。
Oh, sorry. I dropped your pen.気にしないで。大丈夫だよ。
Never mind. It's okay.本当にごめんね。
I'm really sorry.なんでもないよ。気にしないで。
It's nothing. Don't worry about it.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Apology and Reply
Imagine a classmate accidentally drops your pen and says sorry. You will practice both roles using the recorded lines.
Your task: First, play the role of Speaker A and say «あ、ごめん。あなたのペンを落としちゃった。». Then, play the role of Speaker B and reply with «気にしないで。大丈夫だよ。». Repeat the exchange three times. On the first round, read slowly. On the second round, speak at a natural speed. On the third round, try to speak without looking at the text.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Best Response
Imagine someone says “I’m really sorry” after a small mistake. You need to choose a calm reply from the recorded phrases.
Your task: Read the situation: Speaker A says «本当にごめんね。». Which reply fits best: «なんでもないよ。気にしないで。», «気にしないで», or «大丈夫です»? Say your chosen line out loud. Then check the answer below. After that, say the full exchange: first «本当にごめんね。», then your chosen reply.
Recall Practice: Say the Right Role
In this task, you will recall the two short scenes without reading the lines first. The goal is to remember who says what.
Your task: Scene one: Speaker A drops a pen and says sorry. Say Speaker A’s line from memory, then say Speaker B’s reply. Scene two: Speaker A says “I’m really sorry.” Say Speaker A’s line from memory, then say Speaker B’s reply. After speaking, check your lines with «あ、ごめん。あなたのペンを落としちゃった。», «気にしないで。大丈夫だよ。», «本当にごめんね。», and «なんでもないよ。気にしないで。».
Common questions
Can I use these phrases with anyone?
These are short, polite phrases for small, everyday situations. They can be useful in many beginner conversations, but the right choice can depend on the person and the situation. Listen to the recorded tone and keep your voice calm and friendly. When you are unsure, a short phrase like «大丈夫です» is a safe, simple reply.
What should I do if I cannot hear the difference between the phrases?
Focus on the English meanings first. «気にしないで» and «なんでもない» both mean “Never mind” or “It’s nothing.” «気にしないでください» means “Please don’t worry about it.” «大丈夫です» means “It’s okay” or “No problem.” Listen to each recording several times, then repeat it slowly. You can also practice the short scenes with «あ、ごめん。あなたのペンを落としちゃった。», «気にしないで。大丈夫だよ。», «本当にごめんね。», and «なんでもないよ。気にしないで。» to hear how the phrases work in a simple exchange.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: say never mindChecked September 2026
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