This phrase is commonly used when you want to perform an action that might cause a problem for another person — such as opening the window on a cold day, or borrowing something from them.

This phrase is often used when you want to do something that might cause a problem for another person - like turning the fan on or opening the window on a cold day.

— “Do you mind if I open the window?”
— “Do you mind if I borrow your textbook?”

How to respond:

If someone asks you “do you mind if~” and you think it’s okay, you can simply say “No problem!” This is the most common response.

A negative answer to this question is “Yes”, because it means “I don’t want you to do that. I will be unhappy if you do it.” Most native speakers avoid answering negatively, however, because it sounds impolite, so they say something like “I’m sorry” or “I’m afraid”:

— “Do you mind if I sit here?” / “I’m afraid this place is already taken.”
— “Do you mind if I borrow your bike?” / “Sorry, I need it this afternoon.”