Learning French: ça m'est égal and other phrases for expressing indifference and indecision

Brits are typically known for their polite manners and tendency to withhold opinions. When it comes to making decisions, nobody wants to take responsibility. 

In France, you might find yourself searching for the phrase: ça m'est égal (I don’t mind).

We look at how to pronounce this handy saying, when to use it and share even more ways of expressing indifference and indecision. 

What does ça m'est égal mean?

This useful expression literally translates as: that is equal to me.

It is a polite way of showing that you are not bothered about choosing the outcome of a situation.

Synonyms in English include: I do not mind, it does not matter, either or, it is all the same to me, I do not have a preference.

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of impossible n’est pas français

How do you say ça m'est égal?

The saying, ça m'est égal can be broken down phonetically to: sa mate ay-gal.

Usually the letter T in est would be silent, however, in this case it is pronounced as the next word begins with a vowel. 

You should also note that in this context, égal should never become égale.

Read also: Six tongue twisters to test your French

When do you say ça m'est égal?

Use this whenever you want to let someone else make a decision:

• Statement: Où veux-tu aller manger ce soir ? - Where do you want to eat tonight?

• Response: Hmm, ça m'est égal. - I don’t mind.

You can say it when unbothered by the outcome of a situation, one way or another:

• Que je prenne le bus ou le métro, ça m'est égal. - Whether I take the bus or the metro, I have no preference.

Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say faire contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur?

To whom do you say ça m'est égal?

It is neutral language and can be used with friends and family in a range of contexts, and is mainly heard in spoken French.

It is considered more polite than, je m’en fiche, which implies that you do not care about an outcome or are unwilling to make a decision.

Other ways to express indifference?

There are varying levels of formality when it comes to expressing indifference.

Polite:

• Peu importe

• C’est comme vous voulez

• C’est vous qui choisissez

• Tout me va

Informal:

• Je m’en fiche

• Je m’en moque

• Je n’en ai rien à faire

Very informal:

• Je m’en fous 

• Je m’en tape