Questions & Answers about Это всё равно не повод спорить.
What does это refer to here, and why is it used at the start?
Это is a neutral pointer meaning this/that. In this sentence it refers to the situation you just mentioned (the reason, excuse, or circumstance already understood from context). Starting with Это is very common in Russian to introduce a judgment: This isn’t a reason to…, That’s not a повод to….
What does всё равно mean in this sentence—anyway, still, or it doesn’t matter?
All three are close, and context decides the best English rendering. Всё равно literally suggests all the same and is used for:
- anyway / in any case: It’s still not a reason to argue.
- still (despite what was said): Even so, it’s not a reason to argue.
- it doesn’t matter (less literal here, but possible): Either way, it’s not a reason to argue.
Why is не повод used instead of something like не причина?
Повод is more like a pretext / excuse / occasion (a “trigger” people might use to justify an action). Причина is a more neutral cause/reason.
So не повод спорить often implies: Even if it’s true, it’s not a good enough excuse to start arguing.