大丈夫？
daijoubu?
In Japanese, "is it okay?" is expressed as 大丈夫？ (daijoubu?)
大丈夫 can be used both as a question to ask if something is okay and as a statement to say that one is fine or that a situation is acceptable. When used as a response to an offer, 大丈夫 can mean "I am fine" in the sense of "No thank you, I don't need it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The short form 大丈夫？ is used in casual settings with friends or family. To make the phrase polite and suitable for use with strangers or superiors, you can add ですか to the end to create 大丈夫ですか？ In professional settings, if you are seeking permission, you might use the more formal expression よろしいでしょうか？ In formal discussions, you can also use 問題ないでしょうか？ to inquire if there are any problems or concerns.
How do you pronounce it?
daijoubu?
Did you know?
- The word 大丈夫 originally described a 'strong man' or a 'great man' in ancient China. Over time its meaning shifted from describing a person's physical stature to describing a situation's stability.
- In Japanese culture, a person might answer 大丈夫 while clearly struggling. This is often a social gesture to avoid bothering others, rather than a factual statement of their condition.
- Depending on the intonation, 大丈夫 can express extreme skepticism. A flat or descending tone can imply 'There is no way that will work'.
Examples in context
- 申し訳ありませんが、この日程でお会いできますか？大丈夫ですか？I apologize, but can we meet on this date? Is it okay?
- お取引の件ですが、この提案はよろしいでしょうか？Regarding our business transaction, is this proposal okay?
- ご了承いただけると幸いです。この点について問題ないでしょうか？We would appreciate your understanding. Is there any problem with this point?
- 明日の予定、変更しても大丈夫？Can we change the plans for tomorrow? Is it okay?
- この靴、明日履いても大丈夫？Kono kutsu, ashita haitemo daijoubu?Is it okay if I wear these shoes tomorrow?
- 一人で行っても大丈夫？Hitori de ittemo daijoubu?Is it okay to go alone?
- 少し遅れても大丈夫？Sukoshi okuretemo daijoubu?Is it okay if I'm a little late?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are meeting at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、今から行っても大丈夫？Himari, ima kara ittemo daijoubu?Himari, is it okay if I come now?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大丈夫だよ。Un, daijoubu da yo.Yeah, it's okay.
- 健太 Kenta急いで行くね。Isoide iku ne.I'll hurry over.
- 陽葵 Himari気をつけて来てね。Ki o tsukete kite ne.Come safely.
