ça fait rien

The phrase ça fait rien is a common expression in French that translates literally to “that does nothing” or “that makes nothing.” However, its actual meaning in conversation is more nuanced and idiomatic. It is used to convey indifference, forgiveness, or to downplay the importance of something, much like “it doesn’t matter,” “never mind,” or “no problem” in English.

Literal Meaning

Ça means “that”
… fait rien literally means “does nothing”

So the phrase ça fait rien translates word for word as “that does nothing.” In this literal sense, it can mean that an action has no effect or consequence. However, in everyday speech, this literal usage is rare. The figurative and idiomatic meanings are far more common.

Figurative Meanings and Common Uses

In most contexts, ça fait rien is used to reassure someone or express that something is not a problem. It functions much like “don’t worry about it” or “it’s all right” in English.

Here are several common uses with examples:

To say “It doesn’t matter” or “That’s okay”

Example:

  • Désolé, je suis en retard.
  • Ça fait rien, on était pas pressés.
    Translation:
  • Sorry, I’m late.
  • That’s okay, we weren’t in a hurry.

Example:

  • Je crois que j’ai cassé ton stylo.
  • Ça fait rien, il était vieux.
    Translation:
  • I think I broke your pen.
  • It doesn’t matter, it was old.

To reassure someone or downplay a mistake

Example:

  • J’ai oublié de t’acheter du pain.
  • Ça fait rien, j’en ai déjà.
    Translation:
  • I forgot to buy you bread.
  • Don’t worry about it, I already have some.

Example:

  • Pardon, je vous ai interrompu.
  • Ça fait rien, continuez.
    Translation:
  • Sorry, I interrupted you.
  • It’s fine, go on.

To brush off a negative outcome or disappointment

Example:

  • T’as pas gagné ?
  • Non, mais ça fait rien.
    Translation:
  • You didn’t win?
  • No, but it’s no big deal.

Example:

  • Le film était complet.
  • Ça fait rien, on ira demain.
    Translation:
  • The movie was sold out.
  • It doesn’t matter, we’ll go tomorrow.

Used interchangeably with “ce n’est pas grave”

Ça fait rien is often used in place of c’est pas grave (“it’s not serious” or “it’s no big deal”), especially in informal speech. Both can be used to show that something is not worth worrying about.

Example:

  • Je crois que je t’ai sali ton pantalon.
  • Ça fait rien / C’est pas grave.
    Translation:
  • I think I got your pants dirty.
  • It’s all right / It’s not a big deal.

Tone and Register

Ça fait rien is polite, gentle, and suitable for both formal and informal situations. While some alternatives like pas de souci or t’inquiète are more casual, ça fait rien remains relatively neutral and can be used across different contexts.

Variations and Related Phrases

In formal speech, the phrase may be corrected to ça ne fait rien,

    Don’t miss new articles!

    Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

    We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

    Similar Posts

    • more than

      The English phrase “more than” is commonly used for comparisons, but translating it into French requires attention to context. Specifically, the translation changes depending on whether “more than” is followed by a person or a countable noun. 1. “More than” + a Countable Noun When “more than” is followed by a countable noun, or a…

    • apprendre

      The French Verb “Apprendre” The verb apprendre means “to learn” or “to teach” in French. It is an irregular verb derived from prendre (“to take”), which influences its conjugation pattern. Meanings of Apprendre Conjugation of Apprendre Present Tense Person Conjugation Je apprends Tu apprends Il/Elle/On apprend Nous apprenons Vous apprenez Ils/Elles apprennent Passé Composé Apprendre…

    • Countries II

      When talking about going “in” or “to” a country in French, the preposition you use depends on the gender of the country’s name and its first letter. French countries are either masculine or feminine, and this gender affects the choice of preposition. General rules List of feminine countries Masculine countries ending in a consonant Masculine…

    • past subjunctive

      The French past subjunctive is called le subjonctif passé. It is a compound tense used to express uncertainty, emotion, doubt, necessity or possibility about an action that has already been completed. Like the present subjunctive, the past subjunctive is used in subordinate clauses introduced by que. The past subjunctive is formed using the present subjunctive…

    • par rapport à

      “Par rapport à” is a French prepositional phrase that is widely used. It means three different things: “compared with/in comparison with/against,” “in relation to,” and “with regard to/towards.” Compared with/against In relation to With regard to/towards

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *