Korean Dictionary
How to say "Don't worry" in Korean
“Don't worry” in Korean is 걱정하지 마세요 (pronounced "Geokjeongaji maseyo").
걱정하지 마세요
Geokjeongaji maseyo
Usage & Context
Reassuring someone that there's no need for concern. 걱정 means 'worry' and 마세요 is a polite negative command. The casual form is 걱정하지 마 or 걱정 마. Often used alongside 괜찮을 거예요 (it will be okay) for extra reassurance.
Example Sentence
걱정하지 마세요. 제가 도와드릴게요.
Don't worry. I'll help you.
How to use 걱정하지 마세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Don't worry” is 걱정하지 마세요, romanized as Geokjeongaji maseyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 걱정하지 마세요.
Pronunciation Guide
걱 (geok) sounds like 'gock'. 정 (jeong) is like 'jong'. 하 (ha) is like 'ha' in 'haha'. 지 (ji) is like 'jee' in 'jeep'. 마 (ma) is like 'ma' in 'mama'. 세 (se) is like 'say'. 요 (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yo-yo'. The stress is fairly even, or slightly on 'jeong' and 'ma'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
걱정하지 마십시오
Geokjeonghaji masipsio
A more formal and deferential way to say 'don't worry,' often used in very formal settings or when addressing someone of much higher status.
Casual (반말)
걱정 마
Geokjeong ma
A very casual and direct way to say 'don't worry,' used among close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Reassuring a concerned family member.
여행 잘 다녀올게요. 엄마, 걱정하지 마세요!
I'll have a good trip. Mom, don't worry!
Offering help and comfort to an overwhelmed friend.
일이 너무 많다고 걱정하지 마. 내가 도와줄게.
Don't worry about having too much work. I'll help you.
Minimizing a minor issue to prevent someone from worrying.
괜찮아요, 작은 상처예요. 걱정하지 마세요.
It's okay, it's just a small scratch. Don't worry.
Cultural Context
걱정하지 마세요 is a common expression of care and reassurance, often used when someone is visibly anxious or stressed. It's a direct way to alleviate someone's burden and encourage them to relax. In Korean culture, there's a strong emphasis on not wanting to burden others, so this phrase is frequently used to tell someone that their concern is unnecessary or that the speaker can handle things. Often paired with '괜찮아요' (it's okay) or '잘 될 거예요' (it will be fine) for added comfort.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 걱정하지 마세요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
너무 걱정하지 마세요.
Don't worry too much.
제가 알아서 할게요, 걱정 마세요.
I'll take care of it, don't worry.
다 잘 될 거예요, 걱정하지 마세요.
Everything will be fine, don't worry.
Related Expressions
괜찮아요
Gwaenchanhayo
It's okay / I'm fine.
염려 마세요
Yeomnyeo maseyo
Don't worry (slightly more formal/literary than 걱정하지 마세요).
신경 쓰지 마세요
Singyeong sseuji maseyo
Don't mind / Don't bother (yourself with it).
안심하세요
Ansimhaseyo
Please be relieved / Rest assured.
More Greetings Words
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