What does “daijoubu” mean in Japanese?

The Japanese term “daijoubu” is versatile and commonly used in various contexts. Let’s delve into its meanings and applications.

Common Uses of Daijoubu:

• Daijoubu (だいじょうぶ): Often means “I’m fine” or “It’s okay.”
• Daijobu! (大丈夫!): An exclamation indicating “It’s okay!”
• Daijoubu desu ka (大丈夫ですか): A formal way to ask, “Is everything okay?”
• Daijoubu desu (大丈夫です): A polite response, often meaning “It’s alright” or “No problem.”
• Daijoubu da to omaimasu: Translates to “I believe it will be fine.”
• Daijoubu kara: Implies “Because it’s okay.”

Examples of Daijoubu in Context: “Daijoubu” can be seamlessly integrated into numerous sentences. Here are some instances:

• Guetsuyubi wa daijoubu desu ka (月曜日は大丈夫ですか?): “Is Monday suitable?”
• Anata ni nan ji kara denwa shi temo daijoubu desu ka? (あなたに何時から電話しても大丈夫ですか): “What time can I call you?”
• Watashi wa jiuu hachi ji kara ni jiuu kurai made nara daijoubu desu! (私は16時から18時くらいまでなら大丈夫です): “Anytime between 4pm and 6pm works for me!”
• Sumimasen! (すみません): “Sorry” – Daijoubu desu yo (大丈夫ですよ): “It’s okay, no worries!”
• Daijoubu Ja Arimasen / Daijoubu Ja Nai: Indicates “I’m not okay.”

References:

• Trombley, G.; Takenaka, Y.; Zurita Pardo, A. Japanese From Scratch! 1. (2013). Spain. Yes Japan Corporation.
• Taranov, A. Spanish-Japanese vocabulary – 9000 most used words. (2013). Spain. T&P Books.
• Nakazawa, Y. Koi. Dictionary. Basic Manual of Japanese. (2021). Spain. Satori Editions.