bié dānxīn: 别担心 - Don't Worry

• Keywords: bie danxin, biedanxin, 别担心, don't worry in Chinese, how to say don't worry in Mandarin, Chinese for don't worry, bié dānxīn meaning, Chinese phrase for reassurance, comfort in Chinese.
• Summary: “Bié dānxīn” (别担心) is one of the most essential and frequently used phrases in Mandarin Chinese, meaning “Don't worry.” It's a simple, direct, and heartfelt way to offer reassurance and comfort to someone who is feeling anxious or stressed. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding how to use “bié dānxīn” is key to navigating everyday conversations and showing you care. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bié dānxīn
• Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Command
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: Don't worry; don't be anxious.
• In a Nutshell: “Bié dānxīn” is the go-to phrase for telling someone to stop worrying. It's a command, but a gentle and supportive one. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of saying “Don't sweat it,” “It'll be okay,” or simply “Don't worry.” It’s used to soothe someone's anxiety about a potential problem, a mistake they've made, or an uncertain future.

• 别 (bié): In this context, `别` is a negative imperative, meaning “don't.” It's used to tell someone not to do something. (It can also mean “other” or “to separate,” but here it functions as a command).
• 担 (dān): This character's original meaning is “to carry a load with a shoulder pole.” By extension, it means “to carry,” “to bear,” or “to take on a responsibility.”
• 心 (xīn): This character means “heart” and, by extension, “mind” or “feeling.” The character is a pictogram of a human heart.

When you combine them, 担心 (dānxīn) literally translates to “carrying a burden in your heart”—a beautifully descriptive image for the feeling of worry. Adding 别 (bié) in front creates the command: “Don't carry a burden in your heart,” or more simply, “Don't worry.”

“Bié dānxīn” is more than just a direct translation; it's a social tool for maintaining harmony and showing care, which are central values in Chinese culture. In Western cultures, particularly American culture, “Don't worry” can sometimes be followed by an emphasis on individual problem-solving (“Don't worry, *you'll* figure it out”). While this can also be true in China, “bié dānxīn” often carries a stronger undercurrent of shared experience and communal support. Saying it is a way of expressing `关心 (guānxīn)`, or active concern for another person's well-being. It can be a verbal gesture to take some of the emotional burden off the other person, reaffirming the social connection between you. For example, if a friend is worried about an upcoming exam, saying “别担心” implies, “I'm here for you, we can face this together,” even if you can't literally take the test for them. It's a quick, low-effort way to reduce social friction and make the other person feel seen and supported, which is crucial for maintaining good `关系 (guānxì)`, or relationships.

“Bié dānxīn” is extremely common and versatile. You'll hear it everywhere, from close friends to strangers in a service setting.

• Informal Conversations: This is its most common habitat. You use it to reassure friends and family about everyday problems.
  • “I might be five minutes late!” → “别担心，不着急 (bù zhāojí)。” (Don't worry, no rush.)
  • “I forgot to bring the book.” → “别担心，没事 (méishì)。” (Don't worry, it's no big deal.)
• Comforting and Soothing: It's a primary tool for emotional support.
  • When someone is anxious about a job interview, a test, or a doctor's appointment, “别担心” is the first thing you'd say.
• On Social Media: In comment sections on platforms like WeChat (微信) or Weibo (微博), people often type “别担心” or “抱抱，别担心” (bàobao, bié dānxīn - Hugs, don't worry) to show support for someone sharing their struggles.
• Formality: It's generally informal but can be used in more formal settings if the speaker is in a position of authority or seniority (e.g., a boss reassuring an employee). The tone of voice is key; it should always sound sincere and gentle.

• Example 1:
  • 别担心，考试不会太难的。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, kǎoshì bú huì tài nán de.
  • English: Don't worry, the exam won't be too difficult.
  • Analysis: A classic example of reassuring a friend or classmate. The particle `的 (de)` at the end softens the tone and adds a sense of certainty.
• Example 2:
  • 你的病很快就会好的，别担心。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de bìng hěn kuài jiù huì hǎo de, bié dānxīn.
  • English: You'll get better soon, don't worry.
  • Analysis: Used to comfort someone who is sick. Placing “bié dānxīn” at the end of the sentence is very common and feels natural.
• Example 3:
  • A: 对不起，我迟到了。 B: 没事，别担心，我们也是刚到。
  • Pinyin: A: Duìbuqǐ, wǒ chídào le. B: Méishì, bié dānxīn, wǒmen yě shì gāng dào.
  • English: A: Sorry, I'm late. B: It's okay, don't worry, we just got here too.
  • Analysis: This shows how “bié dānxīn” is used with `没事 (méishì)` to quickly forgive a minor social inconvenience and put the other person at ease.
• Example 4:
  • 钱的问题你别担心，我会想办法的。
  • Pinyin: Qián de wèntí nǐ bié dānxīn, wǒ huì xiǎng bànfǎ de.
  • English: Don't you worry about the money problem, I'll figure something out.
  • Analysis: Here, the subject `你 (nǐ)` is placed between `别` and `担心`. This structure `别 + Subject + 心` is possible but less common than `Subject + 别担心`. The core meaning is to take the burden from someone.
• Example 5:
  • 别担心，一切都会好起来的。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, yíqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de.
  • English: Don't worry, everything will get better.
  • Analysis: A powerful and common combination. “一切都会好起来的” is the Chinese equivalent of “everything will be alright,” making this a very comforting phrase.
• Example 6:
  • 只是一个小错误，老板不会生气的，别担心。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐshì yí ge xiǎo cuòwù, lǎobǎn bú huì shēngqì de, bié dānxīn.
  • English: It was just a small mistake, the boss won't be angry, don't worry.
  • Analysis: Used in a workplace context to reassure a colleague about a minor error.
• Example 7:
  • 孩子，自己在家别担心，妈妈很快就回来。
  • Pinyin: Háizi, zìjǐ zài jiā bié dānxīn, māma hěn kuài jiù huílái.
  • English: Child, don't worry being home by yourself, mom will be back very soon.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates its use when comforting a child, showing its gentle and caring nature.
• Example 8:
  • 别担心找不到路，我们可以用手机地图。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn zhǎo bu dào lù, wǒmen kěyǐ yòng shǒujī dìtú.
  • English: Don't worry about not being able to find the way, we can use the map on our phones.
  • Analysis: A practical use case for solving a common problem (getting lost). The reassurance is immediately followed by a solution.
• Example 9:
  • 你的护照我帮你收好了，别担心会丢。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de hùzhào wǒ bāng nǐ shōu hǎo le, bié dānxīn huì diū.
  • English: I've put your passport away safely for you, don't worry about it getting lost.
  • Analysis: Here, “bié dānxīn” is followed by a verb phrase (`会丢`, will get lost), showing what the person should not worry about.
• Example 10:
  • 关于项目截止日期，你别担心，我们还有时间。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú xiàngmù jiézhǐ rìqī, nǐ bié dānxīn, wǒmen hái yǒu shíjiān.
  • English: Regarding the project deadline, don't you worry, we still have time.
  • Analysis: Shows how to specify the topic of worry using `关于 (guānyú)`. This makes the reassurance more specific and effective.

• Sounding Dismissive: The most common pitfall for learners is using “bié dānxīn” for a genuinely serious problem without offering further support. If your friend is worried about losing their job, just saying “Don't worry” can feel empty or dismissive. For serious issues, it should be a conversation starter, not a stopper. Follow it up with “我们聊聊吧 (wǒmen liáoliao ba - Let's talk)” or specific offers of help.
• “别担心” (bié dānxīn) vs. “不用担心” (búyòng dānxīn):
  • `别担心 (bié dānxīn)` is a direct command: “Don't worry!” It's slightly more imperative and personal.
  • `不用担心 (búyòng dānxīn)` means “There is no need to worry.” It's slightly softer and more objective, as if stating a fact that the worry is unnecessary.
  • In 90% of situations, they are interchangeable. For example, if someone is late, you can use either. But `不用担心` might be better if you are presenting an objective reason why worry is unfounded (e.g., “不用担心，我已经把问题解决了” - No need to worry, I've already solved the problem).
• Incorrect Usage: Don't use it to talk about your own state of mind. You wouldn't say “我别担心” (I don't worry). To say you are not worried, you would say “我不担心 (wǒ bù dānxīn).” Remember, `别 (bié)` is for telling *someone else* not to do something.

• 放心 (fàngxīn) - To set one's mind at rest; to feel relieved. This is often the desired result of hearing “别担心”. “你放心吧 (nǐ fàngxīn ba)” means “Rest assured.”
• 不用担心 (búyòng dānxīn) - No need to worry. A slightly softer, often interchangeable synonym.
• 着急 (zháojí) - To be anxious or worried, especially with a sense of urgency. This is the feeling that “别担心” aims to alleviate.
• 别紧张 (bié jǐnzhāng) - Don't be nervous. Very similar, but `紧张 (jǐnzhāng)` refers more to physical and mental tension in a specific moment, like before a performance or public speaking.
• 没事 (méishì) - It's nothing / It's okay / No problem. A very common and informal phrase used to downplay a problem or accept an apology, often used alongside “别担心”.
• 安慰 (ānwèi) - (verb) To comfort, to console. This is the general action you are performing when you say “别担心”.
• 关心 (guānxīn) - (verb) To care about; to be concerned for. This is the underlying motivation for comforting someone.
• 害怕 (hàipà) - (verb) To be afraid; to fear. While related to worry, this implies fear of a specific threat, whereas `担心 (dānxīn)` is more about anxiety over an uncertain outcome.