大丈夫です
daijoubu desu
In Japanese, "I am okay" is expressed as 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu).
This phrase is used to express two different things: to state that you are currently fine or healthy, and to politely decline an offer or a service.
Which one should you use?
While 大丈夫です is a polite way to say you are okay, 大丈夫だ is a more casual and blunt version used with friends or people of lower status. If you wish to be even more formal and firm when declining an offer, you may use 結構です.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you were okay in the past, change the copula to the past tense form でした to create 大丈夫でした.
How do you pronounce it?
daijoubu desu
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, 大丈夫です can mean 'yes' or 'no', which sometimes leaves non-native speakers confused during shopping or dining.
- The word 大丈夫 is composed of two characters meaning 'big' and 'man'.
- When using 大丈夫です to decline an offer, a small hand wave in front of your face is often used as a non-verbal cue.
Examples in context
- 大丈夫ですよ。I am okay.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 大丈夫です.Tatoeba #137492 by bunbuku, translation #376402 by saeb
- いえ、大丈夫です。ie, daijoubu desu.No, I am fine.
Example conversation
Kenta offers to help Hiyori with her heavy bag.
- 陽葵 Himariこの荷物、重いですね。Kono nimotsu, omoi desu ne.This luggage is heavy, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta持ちましょうか？Mochimashō ka?Shall I carry it for you?
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。でも大丈夫です。Arigatō gozaimasu. Demo daijōbu desu.Thank you, but I am okay.
- 健太 Kentaわかりました。Wakarimashita.I understand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
