How to Use the French Expression "Pas de Problème"

Languages

Updated May 12, 2018

The French expression pas de problème (pronounced "pa-deu-pruh-blem") is one that you'll hear in any laid-back conversation. Literally translated, the phrase means "not any problem," but any English speaker will recognize it as "no problem" or "no worries." It's a handy phrase to know and considered acceptable etiquette in informal speech as a means of apologizing or acknowledging an apology, as well as putting someone at ease after a gaffe.

The formal version of this phrase, il n'y a pas de problème, is also acceptable in any situation.

Examples

Excuse-moi pour mon impatience. > I'm sorry for my impatience.
Pas de problème. > No problem, don't worry about it.

C'est pas vrai ! J'ai oublié mon portefeuille. > Oh no, I forget my wallet.
Pas de problème, je t'invite. > No problem, it's my treat.

You can also use pas de problème to ask whether there's an issue regarding something specific:

Question argent / travail, tu n'as pas de problème? > Are you OK for money / work?

Question temps, on n'a pas de problème ? Are we OK for time?

Related Expressions

Cela ne me / nous / lui pose pas de problème. > That's no problem for me / us / him.
Il / Elle n'a pas de problème de compte en banque ! > He / She is laughing all the way to the bank!
Pas de problème, c'est sur mon chemin. > No problem, it's on my way.
Pas de problème! > No trouble at all!
Les assurances vont tout rembourser, pas de probleme. > The policy will cover it. That's not a problem.

Tu sais, si je dois partir demain, je pense que ca ne poserait pas de probleme. > You know, if it all ended tomorrow, I think I'd be okay.
Si ça ne vous fait rien. - Pas de problème. > If you don't mind. - Fine.

Synonymous Expressions

Ça va. > It's ok
Ce n'est pas grave. > No problem. (literally, "it's not serious")

Cela ne fait / présente aucune difficulté > It's ok.
Il n'y a aucun mal. > No harm done.
Tout va bien. > It's ok. (literally, "everything is going well")
(informal) Á l'aise! > No prob! (literally, "easily")
(informal) Pas de souci. > No worries.
(informal) Y a pas de lézard! > No prob! (literally, "there's no lizard")
(formal) Qu'à cela ne tienne. > That is not a problem. (literally, "upon that may it not depend")