大丈夫
daijōbu[da̠iʑo̞ːbɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for "everything is fine" is 大丈夫 (daijōbu).
大丈夫 is used to indicate that there are no problems or that a situation is under control. Depending on the context, it can also mean "I'm okay" or be used to say "no thank you" when declining an offer. If you use the phrase with a rising intonation, such as 大丈夫？, it becomes a question meaning "Are you okay?" or "Is everything fine?" to check on someone's well-being.
Which one should you use?
While 大丈夫 is the standard form, you can modify it for different tones. Adding だよ to the end creates the informal 大丈夫だよ. You can also add だから to the end as 大丈夫だから to emphasize that everything is fine and provide reassurance to the listener. For a more assertive or casual tone, often used by males, you can use 大丈夫だ.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the polite marker です to 大丈夫 creates the polite version 大丈夫です. In casual speech, adding だ to create 大丈夫だ makes the statement more assertive.
How do you pronounce it?
daijōbu
Did you know?
- The phrase 大丈夫 originally described a 'real man' or a person of great stature and character in classical Chinese literature.
- The term 'daijōbu' can be used to mean 'no problem' even when the speaker is actually facing a significant amount of difficulty, acting as a form of stoic reassurance.
- In a professional setting, relying too heavily on 大丈夫です to confirm a task can be risky. Some Japanese employees use it to mean 'I understand' or 'I will try', which can lead to misunderstandings if the boss thinks it means 'It is already completed'.
Examples in context
- 心配しすぎないで。大丈夫だよ。Don't worry too much. Everything is fine.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 大丈夫 when telling someone not to worry.Tatoeba #4717942 by riumutu, translation #5383905 by Myria
- 大丈夫です。Everything is fine.
- 問題ありませんでした。There were no problems.
- 大丈夫だよ。It's fine.
- 明日の準備は大丈夫です。Ashita no junbi wa daijoubu desu.The preparations for tomorrow are fine.
- もう大丈夫、心配しないで。Mou daijoubu, shinpai shinaide.Everything is fine now, don't worry.
Example conversation
Kenta is worried about his presentation, but Yui reassures him.
- 結衣 Yui健太君、準備はできた？Kenta-kun, junbi wa dekita?Kenta, are the preparations done?
- 健太 Kenta少し不安だけど、大丈夫。Sukoshi fuan dakedo, daijoubu.I'm a little anxious, but everything is fine.
- 結衣 Yui自信を持って。大丈夫だよ。Jishin o motte. Daijoubu da yo.Have confidence. Everything will be fine.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、結衣さん。Arigatou, Yui-san.Thank you, Yui.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 大丈夫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 大丈夫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
