Don't waste your time Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdoʊn/, /ˈdoʊnt/ /ˈweɪst/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈtaɪm

DONT WAYST yur TIME

UK

dəʊnt/ /wˈeɪst/ /jˈɔː/ /tˈaɪm

DONT WAYST yaw TIME

Definition

Use this phrase to tell someone not to spend time on something because it is not useful, important, or likely to succeed.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used as advice or a warning. Common with activities, people, or tasks seen as pointless. Can sound direct—use gently to avoid offending someone. Also sometimes phrased as "don't bother" or "it's not worth your time."

• Spanish: no pierdas tu tiempo
• Portuguese (BR): não perca seu tempo
• Portuguese (PT): não percas o teu tempo
• Chinese (Simplified): 别浪费你的时间
• Chinese (Traditional): 別浪費你的時間
• Hindi: अपना समय बर्बाद मत करो
• Arabic: لا تضيّع وقتك
• Bengali: তোমার সময় নষ্ট কোরো না - সময় অপচয় কোরো না
• Russian: не трать своё время
• Japanese: 時間を無駄にしないで
• Vietnamese: đừng lãng phí thời gian của bạn
• Korean: 시간 낭비하지 마
• Turkish: zamanını boşa harcama
• Urdu: اپنا وقت ضائع مت کرو
• Indonesian: jangan buang waktumu

Example Sentences

Don't waste your time on that puzzle, it's missing pieces.

basic

Don't waste your time arguing with them.

basic

Don't waste your time watching that movie; it's really boring.

basic

Seriously, don't waste your time—he never replies to emails.

natural

Trust me, don't waste your time applying there—they never hire newbies.

natural

If it's not making you happy, don't waste your time on it anymore.

natural