What Does Daijoubu mean in Japanese? 20 Ways to use 大丈夫.

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Learn Japanese – What is 大丈夫 (Daijobu / Daijoubu)?

大丈夫 (daijoubu) is a common phrase used in everyday conversations. The word is similar to the words “All right,” “Fine,” or “Okay” in English – but in addition to this, there are many ways that you can use it in Japanese. This article will cover 20 ways to use 大丈夫 (daijoubu) properly.

The Detailed Definition of Daijoubu

As previously mentioned, 大丈夫 (daijoubu) means “okay” or “alright.” To break apart, this phrase derives from the word 大 (dai), which means big, and 丈夫 (jobu), which describes something sturdy, resilient, and durable. To break apart the word 丈夫 (jobu) even more, 丈 is stature, and 夫 is man or husband. Combined with all these literal meanings, it meant big, strong man! It was thought that the phrase was used to refer to a strong man who traditionally provides safety and stability, and it slowly evolved into the phrase we use almost every day!

20 Examples of using Daijoubu

If you injure yourself – you can let people know that you are fine by exclaiming

大丈夫です。Daijobu desu – I’m okay! – Polite/ Formal
大丈夫。 Daijobu – I’m okay! – Casual / Informal

You can ask someone else if they are alright after a fall.

大丈夫ですか？ Daijobu desu ka? – Are you alright?

You can confirm appointments by asking if a specific time is “okay.”

月曜日は大丈夫ですか？Getsuyoubi wa daijobu desu ka? – Is Monday okay?

You can ask if someone is alright after being unwell / having something happen to them.

もう大丈夫ですか？ Mou daijobu desu ka? – Are you alright now?

You can ask what time you can call someone.

あなたに何時から電話しても大丈夫ですか？Anata ni nan ji kara denwa shi temo daijobu desu ka? – What time is okay to call you?

You can give a range of time that it would be okay to do something (such as call or have a meeting).

私は18時から20時くらいまでなら大丈夫です。Watashi wa jyuu hachi ji kara ni jyuu kurai made nara daijoubu desu. – Any time from 6 – 8 PM is okay for me!

You can ask if it is okay to do something specific – like delete files off of a computer.

これらのファイルを消しても大丈夫ですか？Korera no fairu o keshite mo daijobu desu ka? – Is it okay to delete these files?

You can express that you think something should be alright.

たぶん大丈夫だ。Tabun daijobu da. – It should be alright.

You can reassure someone if they apologize to you for bumping in to you on the train.

Person A – すみません! – Sumimasen Sorry!
Person B – 大丈夫ですよ。- Daijobu desu yo – It’s fine!

You can ask someone if eating a certain food would be okay to eat.

ピザで大丈夫？Pi za de daijobu? – Is Pizza okay?

Girl using laptop for an online video call using a hand gesture to politely deny something — Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

You can use it to reassure someone that they will be fine in the future.

(E.g., if they have a test or an exam and are worried about it.)

あなたはきっと大丈夫。Anata wa kitto daijōbu. – You will be fine.

You can use it to state your surety / how convinced you are that something will happen.

大丈夫彼は来ますよ。daijobu kare wa kimasu yo. – He will come – you can count on it.

You can ask if something is safe / okay to use / do.

この水は大丈夫かね。Kono mizu wa daijobu ka ne. – Is this water safe to drink?

You can promise that something will be okay / give your word that you can be depended upon.

大丈夫請け合います。Daijobu uke aimasu – It will be okay – I guarantee you

You can express that something is fine with you personally.

私は大丈夫です。Watashi wa daijoubu desu – It’s alright with me. / I am okay with it.

You can ask if someone is feeling okay.

気分は大丈夫ですか。Kibun wa daijobu desu ka? – Are you feeling okay?

You can ask if a trait / characteristic of something is okay.

このサイズで大丈夫でしょうか。Kono saizu de daijoubu deshou ka? – Is the size okay?

You can express that there’s no need to do something.

送ってくれなくて大丈夫です。Okutte kurenakute daijobu desu. – There’s no need to send it.

You can ask if something was okay in the past. I.E. Weather

天気は大丈夫だった？Tenki wa daijoubu datta? – Was the weather okay?

You can ask someone for additional confirmation that something is alright

(E.g., if they are sure they are alright with something.)

これで大丈夫でしょうか。Kore de daijobu deshouka? – Are you sure you are okay with this?

Phrases Similar To Daijoubu

Negative and positive affirmations of daijoubu

While daijoubu is a versatile phrase, other phrases commonly used in Japan convey similar meanings.

元気です。 Genki desu – I’m fine/healthy.

元気ですか。Genki desu ka? – Are you okay?

問題ない。 Mondai nai – No problem.

それで問題ないですか。Sore de mondai nai desu ka? – Is that okay?

安全です。Anzen desu －It’s safe.

ここは安全ですか。Koko wa anzen desu ka? – Is this place safe?

大丈夫だと思います。Daijōbu da to omoimasu – I think it’s okay.

このようにして大丈夫だと思います。Kono yō ni shite daijōbu da to omoimasu. – I think it’s okay to do it this way.)

結構です。Kekkō desu－It’s enough/I’m okay.

もう結構です。Mō kekkō desu. – That’s enough.

Daijoubu Expresses Both Positives and Negatives

Similar to the term’s closest English equivalent, it’s okay (or I’m okay), it can be understood as either negative or positive affirmation.

ご飯をたべますか？Gohan wo tabemasuka?

Responding with 大丈夫です。Daijoubu desu. “It’s okay” – would mean you don’t need food. In this context the response is negative, similar to saying “no, thanks”.

風邪治った？大丈夫ですか？kaze naotta？ Daijoubu desuka?

Responding with 大丈夫です。Daijoubu desu. “I’m okay” – would communicate that you’re indeed okay so in this context, it is a positive affirmation.

Based on the context of the question or circumstance, people will understand what you mean when you simply say 大丈夫. This is what makes this phrase so versatile. It’s very similar to saying “I’m okay” or “it’s okay” which can be used and understood easily based on context.

Let’s Watch the Japanese learning video to recap what we have learned today!

Want to know more about some commonly used phrases in Japan? Read these blogs below:

Once you’ve learned the meaning of Daijoubu, we recommend practicing them with immersive Japanese listening conversations. Our Japanese podcasts are a great way to do this. The NHK World Japan Audio Shows also offer excellent listening practice for learners at any level.

FAQ

Daijobu is a versatile Japanese phrase that can be translated to “okay,” “all right,” or “fine.” However, its meaning can vary depending on the context

Daijobu can be used in a variety of situations:

Checking on someone: “Daijobu desu ka?” (Are you okay?)
Reassuring someone: “Daijobu, dekimasu.” (It’s okay, I can do it.)
Expressing relief: “Ah, daijobu da.” (Ah, that’s a relief.)
Politely declining: “Iie, daijobu desu.” (No, thank you, I’m okay.)
Giving permission: “Hai, daijobu desu.” (Yes, that’s okay.)

Yes, there are cultural nuances to consider:

Avoiding conflict: Japanese culture values harmony and avoiding conflict. Daijobu can be used to maintain this harmony, even if you’re not entirely okay with it.

Indirect communication: Japanese communication often relies on indirectness. Daijobu can be used to avoid confrontation or negative emotions.

To practice using daijobu, try incorporating it into your daily conversations. Here are some tips:

Listen to Japanese media: How native speakers use daijobu in different contexts.
Practice with a language partner: Role-play different scenarios where you can use daijobu.

Use language learning apps: Many language learning apps offer exercises and quizzes to help you practice vocabulary and grammar, including daijobu.

The word daijoubu is informal, but you can add desu, in the end, to make it “dajoubudesu” to make the word formal.

Yes, you can definitely do so. But to say it formally, remember to add desu at the end.

Daijoubu means “I’m fine”, reassuring someone that they are okay, but genki usually means I’m healthy or energetic enough to inform them about their physical and emotional state.

The correct spelling is “daijobu” (大丈夫). This phrase means “okay” or “alright” in Japanese, commonly used to ask if someone is fine or to reassure someone that everything is fine. “Daijoubu” with the extra “u” is the standard form in most cases.

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What Does Daijoubu mean in Japanese ? 20 Ways to use Daijobu 大丈夫