大丈夫
daijōbu[da̠iʑo̞ːbɯ̟]
The English phrase "everything will be okay" is translated into Japanese as 大丈夫 (daijōbu).
This phrase is used to comfort someone by telling them that a situation will resolve itself positively. In addition to meaning "everything will be okay," the word 大丈夫 can also be used to mean "it's fine" or "no problem" in response to an apology or an offer.
Which one should you use?
While 大丈夫 is often used to mean 'everything will be okay,' it can also be used to mean 'it's fine' or 'no problem' in response to an apology or an offer.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding です (desu) to the end of 大丈夫 (daijōbu) makes the phrase polite and suitable for use with superiors or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
daijōbu
Did you know?
- While used today to mean 'everything will be okay', the word 大丈夫 originally referred to a 'great man' or a person of extraordinary character and strength.
- Depending on the intonation, the phrase can shift from a comforting statement of reassurance to a skeptical question asking 'Are you sure about that?'
- The word 大丈夫 can be used to describe an object as 'sturdy' or 'durable' in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- 大丈夫ですよ。頑張っていますから問題ありませんEverything will be okay. You're doing your best, so there's no problem.
- 心配いらない、大丈夫だよDon't worry, everything will be okay.
- きっと大丈夫だよ。Kitto daijoubu dayo.Everything will surely be okay.
- もう大丈夫だから、安心して。Mou daijoubu dakara, anshin shite.Everything is okay now, so please relax.
- 明日はきっと大丈夫。Ashita wa kitto daijoubu.Everything will be okay tomorrow.
Example conversation
Misaki is comforting Yota after a difficult exam.
- 陽太 Yota試験、失敗しちゃったかもしれない。Shiken, shippai shichatta kamoshirenai.I might have failed the exam.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫だよ、次はきっとうまくいくよ。Daijoubu dayo, tsugi wa kitto umaku iku yo.Everything will be okay, it will surely go well next time.
- 陽太 Yota美咲にそう言われると、少し楽になるよ。Misaki ni sou iwareru to, sukoshi raku ni naru yo.When you say that, Misaki, I feel a little better.
- 美咲 Misaki応援してるから、元気出して！Ouen shiteru kara, genki dashite!I'm rooting for you, so cheer up!
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.
