A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't mind" in French
Express indifference or lack of preference in a polite and common French phrase.
Ça m'est égal.
sah meh-TAY-gahlneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone asks if you have a preference between two options, like for a restaurant or activity. It's also useful if someone offers you something and you don't particularly care one way or the other.
Alternatives
- Peu importe.Slightly more casual, often used when the choice is truly unimportant.
- Je n'ai pas de préférence.More explicit and a bit more formal, clearly stating you have no preference.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'égal' like 'egg-all'
The 'é' sound is like the 'ay' in 'say', and the 'g' is soft, like the 'g' in 'gem'.
Forgetting the 'm' in 'm'est'
The 'm' is crucial; it means 'to me'. Without it, the phrase loses its meaning.
A small cultural note
While 'Ça m'est égal' is perfectly fine, some French speakers might find it slightly blunt depending on tone and context. Adding a smile or a slight shrug can soften it.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I don't care in French?
'Ça m'est égal' is a common and polite way to say you don't mind. For a more casual option, you could say 'Peu importe'.
When to use 'Ça m'est égal' vs 'Je m'en fiche'?
'Ça m'est égal' is neutral and polite, suitable for most situations. 'Je m'en fiche' is much more informal and can sound rude, meaning 'I don't give a damn'.
Is 'Ça m'est égal' formal or informal?
It's considered neutral and works in most everyday interactions. It's not overly formal, nor is it strictly casual.
