Cool MateBe cool vs Don't worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Be cool
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Don't worry
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Don't worry
| Be cool | Don't worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //biː kuːl//🇺🇸 //bi kul// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri// |
| Meaning | Stay calm and relaxed. | A way to tell someone not to be anxious. |
| Example | Just be cool; everything will turn out fine. | You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | be cool about something, just be cool, be cool under pressure | don't worry about it, don't worry too much, don't worry, everything will be fine |
| Antonyms | - | worry, fret, stress |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'be cruel' - they have opposite meanings., Used in formal contexts - avoid in business meetings., 'Be cool' misused with serious topics - it's too casual. | Omitting 'don't' and saying 'worry'., Using it in overly serious contexts., Confusing with 'don't care'. |
| Usage notes | Used informally to encourage someone to relax or remain calm. Not typically used in formal situations. | Use in reassuring contexts; avoid in serious situations where worry is justified. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Be cool vs Don't worry
What's the difference between Be cool and Don't worry?
Be cool: Stay calm and relaxed. Don't worry: A way to tell someone not to be anxious.
Which is more formal: Be cool and Don't worry?
Don't worry is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Be cool: Just be cool; everything will turn out fine. Don't worry: You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry.
Can I use Be cool and Don't worry interchangeably?
Not always. Be cool and Don't worry are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.