Wait! Before you use “mind your own business,” you should know a few things! It’s a very risky phrase, but you already know that.
Perhaps some alternatives will be better suited to your current situation.
This article will explain how to say “mind your own business” professionally and politely.
Other Ways to Say “Mind Your Own Business”
- This doesn’t concern you
- Don’t worry about it
- That’s none of your business
- Never you mind
- Keep your nose out
- Butt out
- Keep out of it
- This does not apply to you
- This is irrelevant to you
- Stop worrying about it
- You do not need to know
- It’s not for you to hear
- Forget it
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Mind your own business” is rude in most contexts, but it lets people know you do not want them involved in your personal affairs.
- “This doesn’t concern you” is a much better formal synonym.
- Try saying “don’t worry about it” informally to spare people’s feelings as it is more polite than “mind your own business.”
Keep reading to learn how to tell someone to mind their own business. We’ve included formal and informal options, giving you a chance to keep people out of your business regardless of the context.
If you want to learn why “mind your own business” is rude, you can skip to the final section. We’ve covered everything you need to know about whether it’s polite.
This Doesn’t Concern You (Formal)
“This doesn’t concern you” is an excellent formal synonym for “mind your own business.”
It is a bit more polite, making it more functional in most contexts.
The phrase lets someone know they should not be involved in your current conversation. It shows they should not “concern” themselves with any information you share. It’s the best way to tell someone to leave you alone politely.
For example, if you are having a private conversation about a colleague’s life outside of work, you might want to be alone with them. If someone else joins the conversation, using “this doesn’t concern you” is an acceptable way to ask them to leave.
“This doesn’t concern you” works better than “mind your own business” in formal contexts. It shows that you don’t want to be rude, but you also believe someone should get out of the conversation you’re trying to have in private.
These examples will demonstrate the best ways to use “this doesn’t concern you”:
I’m sorry, Abraham. This doesn’t concern you, and I really think you should leave us alone.
This doesn’t concern you at all. I’m afraid you’ll need to find somewhere else to sit for now.
Don’t Worry About It (Informal)
“Don’t worry about it” is a good informal example of what to say instead of “mind your own business.”
It is more polite and less dismissive, making it useful for friends and family members.
It would help if you said this when you don’t want to give friends private details or tell them what’s happening. Once you say “don’t worry about it,” most people will leave you to it as they realize that you’re talking in private and don’t want others listening in.
Unfortunately, “don’t worry about it” isn’t as effective formally as “mind your own business.” It’s much less rude, which is certainly a positive. However, it isn’t confident or professional enough to show that someone should keep out of your business affairs.
These examples will help you understand more about it:
Oh, don’t worry about it, Matthew. We’re not talking about anything that concerns you.
Don’t worry about it. I realize that it seems bad, but we’re having a lot of fun right now!
Is It Rude to Say “Mind Your Own Business”?
“Mind your own business” is rude but sometimes warranted. It’s rude because you’re telling someone to keep their nose out of your business. After all, it doesn’t concern them.
However, sometimes, it’s acceptable to say “mind your own business.”
For example, imagine someone has joined your family’s conversation about one of your sisters. However, this person is not from your family. In fact, you don’t know them at all. You could say “mind your own business” if they hang around and try to get more information out of you.
The phrase shows someone does not belong in the current conversation. You should only use it as a last resort. Try to be polite and ask someone to leave first.Then you should resort to something like “mind your own business” if they don’t listen.
You never know when you might need to use this phrase! Bookmark this page if you’re worried it’ll come up again and you want to be prepared.