Daijobu

Jun 22, 2016 16:30
Today, I will talk about the Japanese word "daijobu."

"Daijobu" means something like "it's okay" or "no problem," and is often used in daily life.

For example: "Ashita yasundemo iidesuka?" "Daijobu desu."
("Can I take a day off tomorrow?" "No problem.")

However, you have to be careful because "daijobu" has also meanings like "it's enough" and "no thank you."

For example: "Gohan tabeni ikanai?" "Daijobu desu."
("How about going out for lunch?" "No thank you.")

Originally, "daijobu" meant only affirmative, but it has come to be used also in negative meanings, because direct denials might bruise someone.

Since the usage of "daijobu" is really confusing even for us, I recommend for you to add supplemental words after saying "daijobu."
大丈夫

今日は「大丈夫」という日本語を紹介します。

「大丈夫」は "it's okay" や "no problem" のような意味であり、とてもよく使われます。

例:「明日休んでもいいですか?」「大丈夫です。」

しかし、"it's enough" や "no thank you" のような意味も持つため、注意が必要です。

例:「ご飯食べに行きませんか?」「大丈夫です。」

本来、「大丈夫」は肯定の意味しかありませんが、直接的に否定すると相手を傷つけるかもしれないという考えから、否定の意味でも使用されるようになりました。

日本人にとってもとても紛らわしいので、「大丈夫です」と言った後には一言補足をすることをおすすめします。
No. 1 ravenex

Thank you for your detailed explanation.

It reminded me of how one has to be careful with saying いい as well, since it can also mean indirect refusal.

Toru
Thank you for the comment :)
Indeed, 「いい」 is also difficult to use. It can show two opposite meanings.
No. 2 Kyle
  • Today, I will talk about the Japanese word "daijobu."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • "Daijobu" means something like "it's okay" or "no problem," and is often used in daily life.
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • For example: "Ashita yasundemo iidesuka?" "Daijobu desu."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • ("Can I take a day off tomorrow?" "No problem.")
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • However, you have to be careful because "daijobu" has also meanings like "it's enough" and "no thank you."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • For example: "Gohan tabeni ikanai?" "Daijobu desu."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • ("How about going out for lunch?" "No thank you.")
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • Originally, "daijobu" meant only affirmative, but it has come to be used also in negative meanings, because direct denials might bruise someone.
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • Since the usage of "daijobu" is really confusing even for us, I recommend for you to add supplemental words after saying "daijobu."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
Toru
Thank you for reading my post! :)
No. 3 

It makes a lot of sense to me, actually, since English can be similar in some ways. ^^

Say you're at a restaurant, and the waiter asks if you'd like more of your chosen drink. "I'm good," can actually be a response - though a "thanks" is usually customary too.

And really, in general, you can turn down things by saying "it's alright" or "I'm good." ^^

Toru
Thank you for your comment :)
I learned that phrases that can be interpreted two opposite ways are also exist in English!
Thank you for letting me know the case :)

No problem!! :D