A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Take it easy" in French
French phrase for 'don't worry' or 'take it easy' when reassuring someone.
Ne t'inquiète pas
nuh tan-kyet PAHcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone is stressed about a minor issue, like being a few minutes late or having forgotten something small. It's a way to tell them not to fret and that everything will be fine.
Alternatives
- Laisse tomberBetter for dismissing a problem entirely.
- Ça va allerGood for a more general 'it'll be okay'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'inquiète'
The 't' at the end of 'inquiète' is silent, and the 'qu' makes a 'k' sound.
Using 'vous'
This phrase uses 't' (from 'te'), so it's inherently informal; use 'Ne vous inquiétez pas' for 'vous'.
A small cultural note
While 'Ne t'inquiète pas' is common, French culture can sometimes lean towards expressing concerns more openly than in some English-speaking countries, so be mindful of the context.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When to say 'Ne t'inquiète pas' vs 'Laisse tomber'?
'Ne t'inquiète pas' is for reassuring someone who is worried. 'Laisse tomber' is more about dropping the subject or forgetting about it.
How to say 'take it easy' to a stranger?
For a stranger, you would use the formal 'vous' form: 'Ne vous inquiétez pas'. This is polite and appropriate for someone you don't know well.
Is 'Ne t'inquiète pas' a common phrase?
Yes, it's a very common and useful phrase for reassuring people in everyday situations.
