余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)

よけいなおせわ
expression
none of your business; unwanted meddling
informalcommunicationsociety
1. none of your business; unwanted meddling
An expression used to reject unsolicited advice or interference, telling someone their concern or help is unnecessary and unwelcome.
余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)だよ。
That's none of your business.
余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)かもしれないけど、心配(しんぱい)だから言(い)うね。
This might be unwelcome meddling, but I'm saying it because I'm worried.
「もっと痩(や)せたほうがいいよ」「余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)!」
"You should lose more weight." "Mind your own business!"
Sticking your nose into other people's love lives is uncalled-for meddling.

A very common expression meaning "mind your own business" or "I didn't ask for your advice." Composed of 余計(よけい)な (unnecessary, extra) + お世話(せわ) (care, help — with honorific お used somewhat ironically). Can be used bluntly to shut down unwanted advice, or softened as a disclaimer before offering advice oneself.

Usage

  • Blunt rejection: 「余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)だ!」 (That's none of your business!)
  • Softened disclaimer: 「余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)かもしれませんが…」 (This might be unwelcome, but...)

Common patterns

Register

The blunt form is informal and can sound quite rude. The softened version (余計(よけい)なお世話(せわ)かもしれませんが) is commonly used as a polite preface when giving advice that might be unwelcome.