"Mind" expresses that something bothers or inconveniences you; "matter" expresses that something has importance or relevance.
Verb. To feel bothered, uncomfortable, or objecting to something. Usually negative ("I don't mind") or in questions ("do you mind?"). Synonym: object to, have a problem with.
Do you mind if I open the window? It is hot in here.
¿Te molesta si abro la ventana? Hace calor aqui.
I don't mind waiting. Take your time.
No me molesta esperar. Tomatelo con calma.
Never mind. I found it already.
No importa/Olvida lo que dije. Ya lo encontre.
Verb. To have importance, relevance, or consequence. Almost always in the structure "it matters" or "it doesn't matter." Synonym: be important, make a difference.
It does not matter what people say. Follow your dream.
No importa lo que diga la gente. Sigue tu sueno.
Every vote matters in a close election.
Cada voto importa en una eleccion reñida.
Does it matter if I arrive a few minutes late?
¿Importa si llego unos minutos tarde?
Common mistake
Common confusion when translating "no importa": "I don't mind" and "it doesn't matter" have different uses even though both translate as "no importa." "I don't mind" = it is not a problem for me (about you). "It doesn't matter" = it has no importance (about the situation). And "never mind" = forget what I said / do not worry. All three cover variations of "no importa" in Spanish.
Trick to remember it
Mind = me and my feelings (does it bother me?). Matter = the situation and its importance (does it have relevance?). "Do you mind?" = does it inconvenience you? "Does it matter?" = does this have importance? If the subject is I or YOU = mind. If the subject is IT or a situation = matter. "Never mind" is the idiomatic exception meaning "forget what I said."
Quick rule
Mind = to bother or inconvenience (subject is a person). Matter = to be important or relevant (subject is the situation).
Did you know?
"Mind" as a noun means the mind: "peace of mind," "change your mind," "keep in mind." As a verb it is completely different. And "mind your own business" uses "mind" as a verb meaning "attend to," "pay attention to." And "matter" is also a noun: "it is a matter of time," "no matter what," "a matter of opinion," "a serious matter." Both words are workhorses of the English language with many uses beyond the confusion covered here.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Do you _____ if we reschedule our meeting to Thursday instead of Wednesday?
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
It does not _____ whether you use a pen or a pencil. Either is fine.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Mind = to bother or inconvenience (subject is a person). Matter = to be important or relevant (subject is the situation).
Common confusion when translating "no importa": "I don't mind" and "it doesn't matter" have different uses even though both translate as "no importa." "I don't mind" = it is not a problem for me (about you). "It doesn't matter" = it has no importance (about the situation). And "never mind" = forget what I said / do not worry. All three cover variations of "no importa" in Spanish.
Mind = me and my feelings (does it bother me?). Matter = the situation and its importance (does it have relevance?). "Do you mind?" = does it inconvenience you? "Does it matter?" = does this have importance? If the subject is I or YOU = mind. If the subject is IT or a situation = matter. "Never mind" is the idiomatic exception meaning "forget what I said."
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy