How do I say 'it's okay'?
Natural for accepting an apology or dismissing a small problem, but not for every English use of 'okay.'
没关系
It's okay / it doesn't matter.
There is no relation / consequence.
It's okay / it doesn't matter.
WHEN IT FITS
Translate the conversational job of “okay,” not the English word in isolation.
English uses “it’s okay” for too many jobs. Chinese splits them. 没关系 releases someone from blame, 没事 reassures that nothing is wrong, 好的 signals agreement, and 可以 grants permission.
That split is why learners often overuse 没关系. It is correct in apology contexts, but if you use it for every kind of “okay,” you sound translated rather than native.
HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY SAY IT
对不起，我忘了。没关系。
Sorry, I forgot. It's okay.
Accepting an apology晚几分钟没关系。
Being a few minutes late is okay.
Saying a condition is acceptableCHOOSE BY SITUATION
没事
No worries / it's fine.
A more casual response or reassurance that nothing is wrong.好的
Okay / got it.
You are agreeing to a plan or acknowledging instructions.可以
Okay / allowed / can do.
You are granting permission or saying something is acceptable to do.