没事儿
méi shìr
It's nothing or i'm fine · trad. 沒事兒
没事儿 (Méi shìr) is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is not a problem, to brush off an apology, or to say "I'm fine" when someone expresses concern. It carries a casual, often northern Chinese flavor.
What does 没事儿 (méi shìr) mean?
没事儿 (méi shìr) means “it's nothing or I'm fine” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “no matter.”
When to use it
Casual and friendly, especially with the "儿" suffix, which is common in northern China. For a slightly more neutral or less regional feel, you can use 没事 (méi shì). When someone thanks you, 没事儿 can also mean "you're welcome," similar to 没关系 (méi guānxi).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “MAY-shirr.” The first syllable has a rising tone, and the second has a falling tone with a soft "r" sound at the end, common in northern Mandarin.
Other ways to say it
- 没事méi shìit's nothing / I'm fine (less regional)
- 没关系méi guānxiit's okay / no problem
- 不客气bú kèqiyou're welcome
Examples
对不起！没事儿。
duìbuqǐ! méi shìr.
Sorry! It's nothing, it's okay.
你没事儿吧？我没事儿。
nǐ méi shìr ba? wǒ méi shìr.
Are you okay? I'm fine.
别担心，这点小事儿，没事儿。
bié dānxīn, zhè diǎn xiǎo shìr, méi shìr.
Don't worry, it's just a small thing, it's nothing.
Pro tip: The "儿" (er) suffix in 没事儿 adds a casual, often northern Chinese feel. While optional, including it makes the phrase sound more natural and friendly in many everyday contexts.
Related phrases
麻烦你了 · Sorry to trouble you打扰一下 · Excuse me (interrupting)让一下 · Excuse me (passing through)
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