Meaning

"No worries" means "it's fine, don't worry about it." It answers two things. When someone apologizes ("Sorry, I'm ten minutes late"), it tells them there's no problem. When someone thanks you ("Thanks for the notes"), it works like "you're welcome".

The phrase comes from Australia, where people say it all day. It spread through the UK and is now everyday American English too, especially among younger people and in relaxed offices. The idea is right there in the words: there's nothing here for you to worry about.

It's casual and friendly. It's fine with coworkers and most managers, and in a quick text or chat message. In a formal email to a client, or when someone thanks you for something big, "you're welcome" or "happy to help" sounds more careful. A few older speakers find "no worries" too breezy as a reply to thanks, but most people won't notice.

In a conversation

GraceLucas
  1. Grace
  2. Lucas
  3. Grace
  4. Lucas
  5. Grace
  6. Lucas

Say it out loud

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

Check yourself

1Your coworker says "Sorry I'm late," and you say "No worries." What are you telling them?
2Where is "No worries" the weakest choice?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. Say it with a relaxed, falling voice. It should sound like a small shrug, not a question.

Say it today

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