Meaning

"No sweat" means "no problem, that's not hard for me." You say it when someone asks a favor or thanks you for one. The picture is physical: the job was so light you didn't even break a sweat. So you're saying two things at once: yes, and it cost me almost nothing.

It's casual American English, relaxed and friendly, a little sporty in feel. It's great with friends, roommates and coworkers you're comfortable with. With a client, a senior manager or anyone formal, it can sound too loose; "not a problem" or "happy to help" does the same job more carefully.

Be careful with the promise inside it. If the favor really is a lot of work, "no sweat" can set up the wrong expectation, and people will be surprised when it takes you all week.

In a conversation

HanaOmar
  1. Hana
  2. Omar
  3. Hana
  4. Omar
  5. Hana

Say it out loud

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

Check yourself

1A friend asks you to lend them a pen, and you say "No sweat." What do you mean?
2When might "No sweat" be the wrong reply?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. It's two strong beats, with equal weight: NO SWEAT. Keep your voice relaxed.

Say it today

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