Expressing Disconcern or Disinterest: How to Say "I Don’t Care" in Spanish?

Often, you will find numerous things that want your attention and concern. When some of them do not matter to you, it is essential to communicate how you feel. This helps save on time and resources, and you also get to invest in things that will benefit and make you happy.

Telling someone that you do not care can be interpreted in different ways. However, you should ensure that you adequately express your standing on everything.

 

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How to Say “I Don’t Care” in Spanish

 

The Spanish translation of “I don’t care” is No me importa. It’s pronounced [ˈno me i̯m.ˈpoɾ.ta] in the IPA transcription.

 

While this can be used in different settings, there is a need to be cautious about the tone you use. In some cases, it might seem rude. Alternatively, there are variations of the phrase that you could employ depending on the situation. These are more distinct and elaborate in standing.   

 

Other Ways to Express “I Don’t Care” in Spanish

 

1. No estoy interesado – I am not interested

 

This phrase is ideal for situations where there is an offer being discussed. In most cases, the person presenting the offer to you will deem it a good deal and sometimes a favor. Saying you are not interested can be taken as disregard for them. Thus, the tone used needs to be carefully crafted for the situation.

If whatever you are being offered is against what you stand for, then you can comfortably express your disgust. However, if there is a need to be polite, you need to incorporate it to show respect.

Another phrase you can use is “it does not interest me.” This translates as no me interesa. It creates a distinction between your rejection of the thing being discussed and the person presenting it.

• Question: ¿Quieres salir conmigo? – Will you go out with me?
• Response: Lo siento, pero no estoy interesado. – Sorry, but I am not interested.

  

 

2. No me concierne – It does not concern me

 

When you want to separate yourself from something without giving much detail, the ideal phrase to use would be “it does not concern me.” This communicates that not only do you not want to be a part of something but also that you do not care. This can be used in a casual setting where you do not want to overstep boundaries. It is also a great response when being pressed for information or comment on an occurrence.

• No contribuiré a su discusión porque no me concierne. – I will not contribute to your discussion because it does not concern me.

 

 

3. No es mi problema – Not my problem

 

This is used to emphasize that the responsibility to do something does not lie on you. Although you might want to proclaim that a particular issue is not your problem, sometimes there is a need for caution.

If you are in a casual setting and a friend shares a concern they have, and you reply with this phrase, it is rude and showcases a lack of empathy. However, it is an appropriate response when people want to take advantage of your time and resources. 

• El hecho de que no tengas ganas de trabajar no es mi problema. Todos necesitamos hacer nuestra parte. – The fact that you don’t feel like working is not my problem. We all need to do our part.

 

 

4. No de esencia – Of no importance

 

This is a dismissive statement that takes away the importance of whatever is being discussed. This can be used in formal settings where the issue raised does not contribute to the goals or agenda. This helps speed things along and focus on things that matter.

When using this phrase, you need to ensure that you do not dismiss the person sharing an idea, as this might lead to them being closed off to share more.

• La entrada es no de esencia. Estamos enfocados en la satisfacción del cliente. – The input is not of importance. We are focused on customer satisfaction.

 

 

5. No me molesta – Doesn’t bother me

 

When someone draws your attention to a situation, and they expect a reaction from you, this is the response to use. Most of these situations are geared towards eliciting annoyance towards the actions of a third party.

It could range from children playing outside someone’s door to a colleague asking long-winded questions after a meeting is over. All these factors could evoke anger from others, and stating that they do not bother you is a way to make your opinion known.

• Todos pueden dar su opinión, el hecho que lleva tiempo no me molesta. – Everyone is allowed to give feedback, the fact that it takes time doesn’t bother me.

 

 

6. No vale mi tiempo – Not worth my time

 

This phrase should be avoided in all professional settings. It communicates a lack of concern and high regard for yourself. While this might be true, especially in some office situations, it would be kind not to act like you value your time more than that of others.

This could lead to tension and affect relationships, working or otherwise. It is vastly dismissive and should be used where the reaction of others doesn’t bother you.

• Este evento no vale mi tiempo. – This event is not worth my time.

 

 

7. Eso no significa nada para mí – It doesn’t mean anything to me

 

With this phrase, you express your lack of interest without dismissing another person’s concern. You are saying that while whatever is being discussed must be relevant to the other person, it is not to you. It isolates your feelings and validates the other person’s. 

It can, therefore, be used both formally and in casual settings. Since in most cases, people tend to interpret words to suit themselves; this would be a typical response whenever you do not wish to miscommunicate, primarily through the tone of your voice.

• Entiendo que podría recibir una transferencia, pero eso no significa nada para mí. – I understand that he might get a transfer, but it doesn’t mean anything to me.

 

Now, you've learned several ways to say "I don't care" in Spanish. You should always carefully judge the situation so that you don't sound rude. Developing the feeling for the Spanish language might take some time.

Our unique Spanish Frequency Dictionaries are a great source if you want to learn the language effectively. You'll find 10,000 most common Spanish words there. Moreover, each entry contains an example sentence to show you its usage in context.