大丈夫です
daijōbu desu
The Japanese phrase for "I am okay" is 大丈夫です (daijōbu desu).
大丈夫です is used to express that you are fine or do not need any help. In many contexts, such as when being offered a bag or a refill, it is used to politely decline an offer, meaning "No thank you" or "I'm fine".
What does it mean word for word?
The core component 大丈夫 literally refers to a state of being without trouble or being in a safe or stable condition, such as peace, safety or composure.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
大丈夫です is the polite version of the phrase. For casual settings with friends or family, you can use the informal version 大丈夫だ. Additionally, Genki. can be used informally to mean "I am okay."
How do you pronounce it?
daijōbu desu
Did you know?
- The word 大丈夫 (daijōbu) was originally used to describe a person of great importance or a 'great man' in historical contexts.
- In Japan, saying 大丈夫です while making a small waving motion with your hand in front of your chest is a common non-verbal way to say 'No thank you'.
- Depending on the intonation, 大丈夫? can be used as a question to ask if someone is mentally stable or if they have 'lost it'.
Examples in context
- 大丈夫ですよ。I am okay.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are okay using 大丈夫です.Tatoeba #137492 by bunbuku, translation #376402 by saeb
Example conversation
At a convenience store, a clerk offers a plastic bag to a customer.
- 大翔 Hiroto袋はいかがですか？Fukuro wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like a bag?
- 美咲 Misakiいえ、大丈夫です。Ie, daijoubu desu.No, I am okay.
- 大翔 Hiroto承知いたしました。Shouchi itashimashita.Understood.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
