Italian Phrase
Niente di che, sto solo rilassandomi.
Meaning
Literally “Nothing of that, I’m just relaxing.” In everyday speech it means “It’s nothing, I’m just taking it easy.” The phrase combines a modest thank‑you response with a brief status update.
When to use
Use it after someone thanks you for a small favor, especially in informal settings with friends or family. It also works as a casual way to explain that you’re not doing anything important, just unwinding.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nientediche,stosolorilassandomi
Niente di che
An idiomatic, informal way to respond to thanks, equivalent to “you’re welcome” or “no problem.”
Sto + gerundio
The present progressive in Italian is formed with the verb *stare* + gerund (e.g., *sto rilassando*).
Rilassandomi (reflexive gerund)
The verb *rilassarsi* is reflexive; the gerund adds *-andosi* to indicate “relaxing oneself.”
Solo (adverb)
Placed before the verb to stress that the action is the only thing being done.
🗨In Conversation
Grazie per avermi aiutato a spostare il divano!
Thanks for helping me move the sofa!
Niente di che, sto solo rilassandomi.
No problem, I’m just relaxing.
✕Common Mistakes
Niente di che, sto solo rilassandomi.
In very formal situations this phrase can sound overly casual; use *prego* or *di nulla* instead.
Rilassandomi, sto solo.
The progressive requires *sto* + gerund; omitting *sto* makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Sto rilassandomi solo.
Placing *solo* after the verb changes the meaning to “only while I’m relaxing.” Keep *solo* before the verb to mean “just relaxing.”
↔Alternatives
Di nulla, mi sto solo rilassando.
It’s nothing, I’m just relaxing.
Non c'è di che, sto solo rilassandomi.
You’re welcome, I’m just relaxing.
Figurati, sto solo rilassandomi.
Don’t mention it, I’m just relaxing.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, modesty is valued in casual conversation. *Niente di che* is a friendly, low‑key reply to gratitude, but it sounds too informal for business or formal contexts where *prego* or *di nulla* is preferred. Also, Italians often pair the phrase with a brief activity update, as in the example, to keep the tone light and conversational.