Short answer
“don't worry” in Russian is Не волнуйся
How to say don't worry in Russian?
The most common way to say don't worry in Russian is Не волнуйся (ne volnúisya). In everyday casual conversation, Russians more often say Не переживай (ne perezhivái), which has the same meaning but a warmer, less formal tone. For a more polite or formal situation, use Не беспокойся (ne bespóisya). All three are used with people you address as 'ты'. If you need to address someone formally, you would say Не волнуйтесь or Не переживайте.
Common pairings
не волнуйся об этомне переживай из-за мелочейне беспокойся за меня
How to use it
- Use Не волнуйся as the neutral, all-purpose way to tell someone not to worry. It works with friends, coworkers, and people you know on a ты basis.
- Use Не переживай in casual, spoken Russian. It feels more emotional and friendly, so it is the best choice for comforting a friend or family member.
- Use Не беспокойся when you want to sound more measured or polite, or when the worry is about practical matters. In formal writing, the plural form Не беспокойтесь is common.
- If you are addressing someone formally (using вы), add -те to almost any of these: Не волнуйтесь, Не переживайте, Не беспокойтесь.
Examples
Не волнуйся, всё будет хорошо.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Ne volnúisya, vsyo búdet khoroshó. The most neutral way to comfort someone.
Не переживай, мы успеем на поезд.
Don't worry, we'll make the train.
Ne perezhivái, my uspéyem na póyezd. Переживать is very common in spoken Russian — softer and more personal.
Не беспокойся, я сам всё сделаю.
Don't worry, I'll do everything myself.
Ne bespóisya, ya sam vsyo sdélayu. Беспокоиться sounds a bit more formal or caring; it is also the word you would use in polite written requests.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Не |
Не волнуйся, всё будет хорошо. | Не бойся means 'don't be afraid' and refers to fear, not worry. Using it can sound like the other person is scared, which is not the same as being worried. |
| Не |
Не волнуйтесь. | When telling someone not to do something, Russian uses the imperative form. Не волнуетесь is the present-tense statement 'you are not worried,' not a request or reassurance. |
| Unnatural | Natural | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Не |
Не беспокойся. | This is a literal word-for-word translation of 'don't have worry.' Russian expresses this as a reflexive verb, not with 'have'. |
FAQ
- How to say don't worry in Russian?The most common ways are Не волнуйся (ne volnúisya) for standard situations, Не переживай (ne perezhivái) for casual friendly conversation, and Не беспокойся (ne bespóisya) for a more polite or formal tone. With a formal 'you', use Не волнуйтесь, Не переживайте, or Не беспокойтесь.
- What is the difference between не волнуйся and не переживай?Не волнуйся is the neutral, standard form. Не переживай is more common in spoken Russian and sounds warmer, more sympathetic, and more personal. In writing or formal speech, Russians prefer не волнуйтесь or не беспокойтесь.
- How do I tell someone 'don't worry about me' in Russian?Say Не волнуйся обо мне (ne volnúisya obo mnye) or Не переживай за меня (ne perezhivái za menyá). The preposition often changes: обо мне is used with волноваться, while за меня is more natural with переживать.
- Is there a formal way to say don't worry in Russian?Yes, to address someone formally or to address several people, use Не волнуйтесь (ne volnúytes') or Не беспокойтесь (ne bespóytes'). These are both polite and appropriate for work situations, customer service, or speaking to strangers.