لا بأس.

When to use

This phrase is used to reassure someone that a mistake, inconvenience, or minor problem is acceptable and not a cause for concern.

Register

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). In many dialects, phrases like 'mish mushkila' (Egyptian) or 'ma fi mushkileh' (Levantine) are more common for casual use.

How it works

Composed of a negation particle and a noun.

• لا (la): Negation particle meaning 'no'.
• بَأْس (ba's): Noun meaning 'harm', 'trouble', or 'danger'. Root: ب-أ-س (b-'-s).

Pronunciation Nuances

The 's' (س) is a voiceless alveolar fricative, like 's' in 'sun'. Ensure you distinguish it from the emphatic 'saad' (ص).

Notes

Reassures someone after a small issue. Neutral polite wording.