How to Say ‘Whatever’ in Japanese
別に
betsu ni
[BEH-tsoo nee]
💬 Usage Tip: 別に normally means "not particularly" and pairs with a negative: 別にいい "it's fine, no need". Said alone with a flat tone, it becomes a cold "whatever" and can sound sulky.
Phrase Breakdown
別
betsu
[BEH-tsoo]
separate; particular (in 'betsu ni': not really)
Part of the casual phrase 'betsu ni', meaning 'not really' or 'nothing in particular', often sounding indifferent.
別にいいよ。
It's fine, whatever.
に
ni
[nee]
adverb-forming particle (in 'betsu ni')
Particle that turns betsu into an adverb; the phrase means 'not particularly'.
別に怒ってないよ。
I'm not particularly angry.
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