This means you do not need to do something. It also means something is not necessary.
Verb [dictionary form] + ことはないPrimary
This means you do not need to do something. It also means something is not necessary.
そんなに謝ることはないよ。誰にでも間違いはあるんだから。
You don't need to apologize so much. Everyone makes mistakes.
わざわざタクシーに乗ることはなかったね。歩いても十分間に合ったのに。
We didn't need to take a taxi, did we? We would have made it in plenty of time even if we had walked.
急ぐことはないと言われたので、少し休憩することにした。
I was told there was no need to hurry, so I decided to take a short break.
この程度の修理なら、専門家を呼ぶことはない。自分でできるよ。
For a repair of this level, there's no need to call a professional. You can do it yourself.
彼の言うことなんて、いちいち気にするこたあないよ。
There's no need to worry about every little thing he says.
This phrase is like a gentle pat on the back. It tells someone they don't have to worry or do something. When you use the past tense, it's like saying, 'You didn't need to do that after all.'
This is different from other phrases. '〜までもない' means something is too small to do. '〜には及ばない' is more polite. It means 'no need for'. '〜にはあたらない' means a strong feeling is not needed. '〜ことはない' is just about not needing to do something. It is often used for advice.
Don't use this when you want to say "You must not do something." For example, don't say "You don't need to smoke here." Instead, say "You must not smoke here." This grammar is for when an action is not necessary. It is not for rules or strong commands. Use other grammar for those.
Use this when you want to say that something is not needed. You can also use it to tell someone not to worry. It makes them feel better.
Contrasts with(1)
Less formal alternatives(3)
Track your mastery
Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.