大丈夫です
daijoubu desu
In Japanese, "you're fine" can be expressed as 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu).
This phrase is used to tell someone that there is no problem or that they do not need to worry. Depending on the context, it can translate to "I'm fine" or "You're fine". It is also frequently used to mean "it is okay" or "no problem" regarding a specific situation. Additionally, 大丈夫です can be used to politely decline an offer, functioning similarly to "I'm fine (no thank you)" in English.
Which one should you use?
While 大丈夫です can mean "you are fine", it is more frequently used to mean "it is okay" or "no problem" regarding a situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite form 大丈夫です is the standard version used with strangers, colleagues or superiors. For more casual settings, you can use the informal 大丈夫 or 大丈夫だ when speaking with friends or people of lower social status.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense, such as saying "it was fine" or "you were fine", change desu to deshita to form 大丈夫でした.
How do you pronounce it?
daijoubu desu
Did you know?
- The word 大丈夫 was originally used to describe a 'great man' of strength and reliability who could endure any hardship.
- Because 大丈夫 can mean both 'yes' and 'no', relying solely on the words without watching the speaker's body language or tone can lead to total confusion.
- If you are in a medical or emergency situation, a person might respond with 大丈夫です to signal they are fine even if they are actually injured, as a way to avoid being a burden.
Examples in context
- 心配しないで、大丈夫です。Shinpai shinaide, daijōbu desu.Don't worry, you're fine.
- あ、大丈夫です。ありがとうございます。A, daijōbu desu. Arigatō gozaimasu.Oh, I'm fine. Thank you.
Example conversation
Misaki is helping Ren carry some heavy boxes.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、重くないですか？Ren-san, omokunai desu ka?Ren, isn't it heavy?
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫です。一人で持てます。Daijōbu desu. Hitori de motemasu.I'm fine. I can carry it alone.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に大丈夫ですか？Hontō ni daijōbu desu ka?Are you really okay?
- 蓮 Renはい、大丈夫です。Hai, daijōbu desu.Yes, I'm fine.
