大丈夫？
daijōbu?casual
Japanese has no standard phrase said after a sneeze. Most people say nothing, or ask 大丈夫？ (daijōbu?), "are you okay?" It is also called 大丈夫ですか？ (daijōbu desu ka?) and お大事に (odaiji ni).
Meaning: response to a sneeze (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 大丈夫？ | daijōbu? | casual |
| 大丈夫ですか？ | daijōbu desu ka? | polite |
| お大事に | odaiji ni | polite |
If someone seems unwell, use 大丈夫ですか？ (daijōbu desu ka?) to a stranger or お大事に (odaiji ni) to wish them good health.
When do people say it?
Japanese people do not say "bless you" because the custom is not part of the culture. The sneezer might say 失礼しました (shitsurei shimashita), "excuse me", after sneezing.
Did you know?
- A Japanese superstition holds that a sneeze means someone is talking about you.
Examples in context
- 大丈夫？風邪？Daijōbu? Kaze?Are you okay? A cold?
- 失礼しました。Shitsurei shimashita.Excuse me.
Example conversation
Hiro sneezes in the office, and his coworker Kana reacts.
- Hiroくしゅん。失礼しました。Kushun. Shitsurei shimashita.Achoo. Excuse me.
- Kana大丈夫ですか？Daijōbu desu ka?Are you okay?
- Hiro大丈夫です、ありがとう。Daijōbu desu, arigatō.I am fine, thanks.
