Meaning

"Never mind" means "forget it, it doesn't matter anymore." You say it when a problem has solved itself ("Never mind, I found it"), when you've changed your mind, or when someone didn't hear you and it's not worth repeating. It's also a kind reply to an apology: "Sorry I'm late." "Never mind, we haven't started."

Here "mind" means pay attention to, as in "mind the step". So "never mind" is "don't give it any attention".

Watch your tone. Said lightly, it's friendly. Said flat and short after someone asks "What?" twice, it sounds hurt or annoyed, as if you've given up on them. If you're not annoyed, add a reason: "Never mind, it wasn't important." In writing, it's two words; you'll see "nevermind" online, but that's informal.

In a conversation

EmmaRohan
  1. Emma
  2. Rohan
  3. Emma
  4. Rohan
  5. Emma
  6. Rohan

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1Your friend says, "Never mind, I found it." What do they mean?
2You ask "What?" twice, and your coworker says a short, flat "Never mind." What might they be feeling?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. Say the first two with a light, friendly voice. Notice how the third sounds when it's short and flat.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.