Cool MateDoesn't matter vs So what
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Doesn't matter
Top 2,000 (common)
So what
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Doesn't matter
| Doesn't matter | So what | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdʌzənt ˈmætə//🇺🇸 //ˈdʌzənt ˈmætɚ// | 🇬🇧 //səʊ wɒt//🇺🇸 //soʊ wɑt// |
| Meaning | It's not important. | A phrase used to express indifference or lack of concern. |
| Example | I can go to the party or not; it really doesn't matter to me. | He failed the test, and I just said, 'So what? It's not the end of the world.' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | doesn't matter how, doesn't matter what, doesn't matter when | say so what, act like it matters, respond with so what |
| Antonyms | matters, is important, is relevant | - |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'not' (saying 'do matter')., Using in overly formal contexts., Misunderstanding the tone, which can sound dismissive. | Using it in formal writing or speeches., Confusing its meaning with 'so what?' as a question., Overusing it in conversations, which can seem dismissive. |
| Usage notes | Use when something is unimportant or irrelevant. Avoid in formal writing. | Used in casual conversations to dismiss a comment or situation. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Doesn't matter vs So what
What's the difference between Doesn't matter and So what?
Doesn't matter: It's not important. So what: A phrase used to express indifference or lack of concern.
Which is more formal: Doesn't matter and So what?
Doesn't matter is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Doesn't matter: I can go to the party or not; it really doesn't matter to me. So what: He failed the test, and I just said, 'So what? It's not the end of the world.'
Can I use Doesn't matter and So what interchangeably?
Not always. Doesn't matter and So what 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.