Looking up...
大丈夫
daijoubu
okay
A: 大丈夫？ B: うん、大丈夫。
A: Are you okay? B: Yeah, I'm okay.
informal
safe, all right, okay (physically or mentally)
この薬は副作用が大丈夫だ。
This medicine has no serious side effects.
大丈夫、心配しないで。
It's okay, don't worry.
Used to reassure someone or confirm safety.
informal
no problem, it's fine
A: 遅れてごめんね。 B: 大丈夫、気にしないで。
A: Sorry I'm late. B: It's fine, don't worry about it.
Often used in casual conversation to dismiss concern.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 大丈夫
Use 大丈夫 to reassure someone or confirm safety in casual settings. In formal contexts, prefer 問題ありません (mondai arimasen) or 安全です (anzen desu).
Gold Rule
Casual vs. Formal
大丈夫 is informal. In business or formal writing, use safer alternatives like 問題ありません or 大丈夫ですか when asking.
Word Origin
From 大 (big/large) + 丈 (length/extent) + 夫 (man/husband). Originally meant 'a man of great stature' or 'reliable.' The modern sense of 'safe/okay' emerged in the Edo period.
Usage Notes
Used in both questions and statements. In formal contexts, 大丈夫ですか is preferred over casual forms. Avoid overusing in professional settings unless reassuring someone.
Word Breakdown
大
big/large
root丈
extent/length
root夫
man/husband
root和英辞典