なんとかなる
nantoka naru
The Japanese phrase for "everything will be okay" is なんとかなる (nantoka naru).
なんとかなる is used to express optimism that a situation will resolve itself or work out in the end. It carries the nuance that things will work out in the end, even if the exact way it happens is not known right now. This phrase is often used to encourage someone to stop worrying.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nantoka (somehow or some way) and naru (to become or to happen). Literally, it means "somehow it will become/happen".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The casual form is なんとかなる. If you are speaking to superiors or in a formal setting, you should use the polite form なんとかなります.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the sentence-ending particle よ to the phrase to create なんとかなるよ makes the expression sound more like a reassuring prediction or an assurance to the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
nantoka naru
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase to a boss, adding よ to make なんとかなるよ might actually sound dismissive or overly casual. In professional Japanese culture, expressing such a vague optimism to a superior can seem like you are not taking the problem seriously.
- The word なんとかなる is closely linked to the Japanese cultural concept of shikata ga nai, which describes a resigned acceptance of things that cannot be changed.
- In anime and manga, characters often shout なんとかなるさ with the added particle さ to project an air of reckless confidence or a 'go-with-the-flow' personality.
Examples in context
- なんとかなるよ。Nantoka naru yo.Everything will be okay.
- 大丈夫、なんとかなるさ。Daijoubu, nantoka naru sa.It's fine, things will work out.
- 最後にはきっとなんとかなる。Saigo ni wa kitto nantoka naru.In the end, it will surely work out.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a difficult project deadline.
- 美咲 Misaki時間がないし、どうしよう。Jikan ga nai shi, dō shiyō.We're out of time, what should we do?
- 健太 Kentaあまり悩まないで。なんとかなるよ。Amari nayamanaide. Nantoka naru yo.Don't overthink it. Everything will be okay.
- 美咲 Misaki本当にそうかな？Hontō ni sō kana?Do you really think so?
- 健太 Kentaうん、きっとうまくいくよ。Un, kitto umaku iku yo.Yeah, I'm sure it will go well.
