Breakdown of Насморк — это не страшно.
это
this / it is
не
not
страшно
scared / scary
насморк
runny nose, head cold
Questions & Answers about Насморк — это не страшно.
Why do we use a dash and "это" right after "насморк"?
In Russian, the present tense of the verb "to be" is omitted. When you describe or define what a subject is, it is very common to use a dash and the word это to bridge the subject (насморк) and its description. It acts just like the English word "is".
Why does this sentence use "страшно" (an adverb) instead of an adjective like "страшный"?
Here, страшно is used to express a general state or situation, rather than describing a specific noun. In Russian, general statements like "it is cold" or "it is scary" use these -о ending words (called predicative adverbs).
If "страшно" means "scary", why does the translation say "nothing to worry about"?
The literal translation is "A runny nose is not scary." However, это не страшно is a very common fixed phrase used to reassure someone. English speakers usually say "it's not a big deal" or "it's nothing to worry about" in the exact same situations.
What is the difference between "насморк" and a regular cold?
The word насморк specifically refers to a runny or stuffy nose. If you want to talk about catching a general cold (with a cough, fever, etc.), you would use the word простуда.