Learning how to express well-wishes is an essential part of any language, and Japanese is no exception. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “get better soon” in Japanese. Whether you’re looking to send a warm message to a friend or convey your wishes in a more formal manner, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
1. Informal Expressions
When addressing friends, family, or casual acquaintances, you can use these informal expressions to wish someone a speedy recovery:
1. お大事に（おだいじに）
This is the most common and straightforward way to say “get well soon” in Japanese. It can be used with anyone you have a level of familiarity with, such as friends or close colleagues. Remember to deliver it with genuine concern and empathy.
お大事に！早く良くなってね！(O-daiji ni! Hayaku yoku natte ne!) – Get better soon! Get well quickly!
2. 早く良くなってね（はやくよくなってね）
This expression is another informal way to wish someone a speedy recovery. It conveys a sense of urgency and genuine care for the person’s well-being.
早く良くなってね！元気になってください！(Hayaku yoku natte ne! Genki ni natte kudasai!) – Get better soon! Please take care and get well!
2. Formal Expressions
When addressing someone with higher social status, elder family members, or in more formal situations, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are two ways to convey your well-wishes formally:
3. お大事になさってください（おだいじになさってください）
This phrase is a polite and formal way to express your wish for someone’s recovery. It shows respect and consideration for the person’s well-being.
お大事になさってください。早くお元気になられますように。(O-daiji ni nasatte kudasai. Hayaku o-genki ni nararemasu you ni.) – Please take care and get well soon.
4. ご自愛ください（ごじあいください）
This expression is a more poetic way to wish someone a swift recovery, often used in formal settings and written messages.
ご自愛ください。お大事に。 (Go-jiai kudasai. O-daiji ni.) – Please take care of yourself and get well soon.
3. Other Supportive Phrases
Apart from the specific phrase for “get well soon,” you can use additional expressions to show your support and encouragement to someone who is feeling unwell:
5. お大丈夫ですか（おだいじょうぶですか）
This phrase translates to “Are you alright?” and can be used to check on someone’s well-being. By showing genuine concern, you can offer comfort and support.
お大丈夫ですか？お体に気をつけてください。(O-daijoubu desu ka? O-karada ni ki o tsukete kudasai.) – Are you okay? Please take care of yourself.
6. お大事にしてください（おだいじにしてください）
Similar to “take care” in English, this phrase encompasses a broader sense of concern and well-being.
お大事にしてください。心からお見舞い申し上げます。(O-daiji ni shite kudasai. Kokoro kara o-mimai moushiagemasu.) – Take care. I sincerely offer my condolences.
Conclusion
Expressing your well-wishes in Japanese can be done through various phrases, both formal and informal. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the level of familiarity and formality of the situation. By showing genuine care, your message of support and encouragement will reach the recipient’s heart.
Whether you choose to say “お大事に” (o-daiji ni) informally or “お大事になさってください” (o-daiji ni nasatte kudasai) formally, your sincere wishes will undoubtedly provide comfort during someone’s illness or recovery. Don’t forget to deliver your message with warmth and empathy, embodying the true spirit of “get well soon” in Japanese.
