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Translation and Meaning of: 大丈夫 - daijyoubu

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 大丈夫 (daijyoubu) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: daijyoubu

Kana: だいじょうぶ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n5

大丈夫

Translation / Meaning: safe; all good; OK

Meaning in English: safe;all right;O.K.

Definition: No problems or dangers. Be safe.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (大丈夫) daijyoubu

The Japanese word 「大丈夫」 (daijoubu) is widely used in the daily lives of Japanese speakers, offering a variety of meanings that depend on the context in which it is used. In its most common use, the word conveys ideas of "being okay," "not worrying," or "no problem." Its usage can be both to reassure someone that everything is fine and to express that the person is safe and confident in a particular situation.

Etymologically, 「大丈夫」 is composed of three kanji characters: 「大」 (dai), which means "big" or "very"; 「丈」 (jou), which can mean "height", "length", or "sufficiency"; and 「夫」 (bu), which represents "man" or "male". When we combine these characters, the literal meaning would be something close to "great man". In ancient times, this expression was used to describe an ideal man or a warrior, someone who was admired for his bravery and confidence. Over the ages, the meaning has evolved into its more generic and positive form, indicating someone or something that is well or in acceptable condition.

The origin of this word dates back to the time of the samurai, when expressions like 「大丈夫」 could be used to describe a brave and fearless warrior. Over time, Japanese culture adapted the term to serve more everyday situations, leading to the usage we know today. The concept of an "ideal warrior" has been softened to indicate protection and stability, reflecting the resilient and calming nature of modern Japanese culture.

In daily life, it is common to hear 「大丈夫」 in various situations, such as when someone wants to confirm if another person is comfortable after an incident, or when one wants to ensure that a task is feasible. The flexibility of the term allows for its application in varied contexts, from informal conversations among friends to more formal situations. This adaptability is one of the reasons why 「大丈夫」 is one of the most recognizable and versatile expressions in the Japanese vocabulary, maintaining its relevance over the centuries.

Synonyms and similar words

  • 安心 (Anshin) - The feeling of comfort or relief.
  • 無事 (Buji) - Security and being free from problems.
  • 平気 (Heiki) - To be calm or indifferent to a situation.
  • 丈夫 (Jobu) - Durability, resistance or robustness.
  • 健康 (Kenkou) - State of good health.
  • 安全 (Anzen) - To be safe; absence of danger.
  • 安泰 (Antai) - To be in a state of peace and stability.
  • 安堵 (Ando) - Feeling of relief or tranquility after a worry.

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Words related

Words with the same pronunciation: だいじょうぶ daijyoubu

How to Write in Japanese - (大丈夫) daijyoubu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (大丈夫) daijyoubu:

Example Sentences - (大丈夫) daijyoubu

Below are some example sentences:

大丈夫ですか?

Daijoubu desu ka?

Are you okay?

OK?

  • 大丈夫 - It means "it's all good" or "it's all right" in Japanese.
  • です - is a politeness particle in Japanese, which is added to the end of a sentence to make it more formal.
  • か - is an interrogative particle in Japanese, which is added to the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.

Other words of the same type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

大丈夫