Don't worry
A very common, casual way to say 'relax,' 'calm down,' or 'it's cool.' Use 'tranquilo' when speaking to a man and 'tranquila' for a woman.
Literally 'nothing happens,' this phrase means 'it's no big deal' or 'don't worry about it.' It's perfect for reassuring someone after a small mistake.
A direct and universally understood phrase for 'no problem.' Use it when someone apologizes or expresses concern that they've caused an issue.
The formal version of 'No te preocupes.' Use this with 'usted' when speaking to an older person, a boss, or anyone you want to show respect to.
—Sorry, I'm running a little late. —Don't worry, it's no problem.
—Oh no, I spilled the water! —Don't worry, it's no big deal. I'll clean it.
Don't worry, ma'am, your table is almost ready.
I don't understand the question. —Don't worry, I'll explain it to you again.
'No te preocupes' is the standard and is understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.
Due to the use of 'vos' instead of 'tú,' you'll hear 'No te preocupés' (with the stress on the last syllable). 'Quedate tranquilo/a' is also very common.
In addition to 'tranquilo,' the slang term 'fresco' is extremely common. For example, 'Fresco, no pasa nada' means 'Chill, it's no big deal.'
'No te apures' (don't rush/hurry) is often used with the same meaning as 'don't worry,' especially when someone is stressed about time.
While 'No te preocupes' is standard, the casual abbreviation 'Tranqui' (from 'tranquilo') is extremely popular in informal speech.
Using 'No ser preocupado' or 'No estar preocupado'. — The verb is 'preocuparse,' which is reflexive. The correct command form is 'No te preocupes.' Saying 'No estés preocupado' is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and is not the common way to express this.
Mixing up formal and informal commands. — Using 'No te preocupes' (informal 'tú') with a person you should address as 'usted' (like an elder or a boss) can be seen as disrespectful. Always use 'No se preocupe' in formal situations.
Forgetting gender with 'tranquilo/a'. — When you use 'tranquilo' as a command, you must match the gender of the person you're speaking to. Say 'Tranquilo' to a man and 'Tranquila' to a woman.
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