Learning French: what does c'est pas la peine mean and when should it be used?

C’est pas la peine is a French saying that describes worthless tasks or actions. Learning how to use it, however, is definitely a worthy investment of your time. 

We look at the subtly different meanings behind this popular phrase and highlight alternative French synonyms.

What does c'est pas la peine mean?

Avoir de la peine refers to the idea of going to the trouble of doing something. 

By negating this saying to c’est pas la peine, the definition is flipped to imply the opposite: not taking on the burden (or ‘pain’) of completing a strenuous, irritating or pointless task.

The grammatically correct version of this phrase is, ce n’est pas la peine, however in everyday informal French conversation, people most often skip the ‘ne’ and say: c’est pas la peine or simply, pas la peine.

This phrase can imply a few different meanings:

• Do not bother doing something (ne vous embêtez pas)

• Do not worry about doing something (ne vous inquiétez pas)

• It is not worth doing something (ça ne vaut pas le coup)

• There is no point in doing something (ça ne sert à rien)

You might also come across a similar variation: ça ne vaut pas la peine. 

Vaut comes from the French verb valoir which refers to an item's cost or worth. This saying again therefore reinforces the idea of something being deemed useless, or not worthy of your time or effort.

Read also: Learning French: what does tant pis mean and when should it be used?

When do you say c'est pas la peine?

C’est pas la peine is usually said as a polite way of saving someone from going to any hassle.

Depending on the context, however, it could be used in a more sarcastic or passive aggressive tone.

Say this to insist that someone should not go to the trouble of doing something (usually a boring or unpleasant task):

• Pas la peine de plier le linge, je le ferai plus tard. - Don’t bother folding the laundry, I’ll do it later.

It can also be said to reassure someone who feels anxious: 

• Statement: Je suis vraiment inquiet à l'idée de faire cette présentation au bureau aujourd'hui. - I am really worried about giving this presentation at work today.

• Response: Ce n'est pas la peine, nous ne serons que trois. Il n'y a pas de pression. - There is no need, there will only be three of us. There is no pressure. 

You might say this to indicate that a task or action is not worth your effort: 

• C’est pas la peine de se stresser pour des choses que l'on ne peut pas contrôler. - It is not worth stressing about things that you cannot control.

It is even used to express the idea of something being useless or pointless: 

• Pas la peine de laver le chien maintenant. Je vais le promener dans les bois cet après-midi. - There is no point in washing the dog now. I am taking him for a walk in the woods this afternoon.

Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say chaque chose en son temps

To whom do you say c'est pas la peine?

It is largely considered neutral language however this phrase could come across as slightly informal in some situations.

You can say it to friends and family without any risk of causing offence. 

If speaking to important colleagues, clients or older generations, you should probably choose to opt for the alternative: ne vous inquiétez pas.

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com