Japanese people may not be OK when they say “Daijobu”

Today’s topic is “Daijobu desu” In hiragana characters, it’s “だいじょうぶです”

This phrase is controversial even for Japanese people because it has several opposite meanings.

Originally, “Daijobu” means “No problem,” so you can use this phrase when you want to say “I’m OK,” “It’s OK,” or “No problem.”

However, Japanese people use it even when they refuse an offer.

EN: A : Can I go with you?

B : No problem.

JP: A : Issho ni Ittemo ii desu ka? (いっしょにいってもいいですか？)

B : Daijobu desu.(だいじょうぶです)

EN: A : Would you like another cup of coffee?

B : No, thanks.

JP: A : Kohi no Okawari wa ikaga desu ka?(コーヒーのおかわりはいかがですか？)

B : Daijobu desu.(だいじょうぶです)

“Daijobu” is a useful phrase, but it may mislead others easily.

I recommend you to use gestures together when you use this phrase to avoid any misunderstanding.

The next topic on Wednesday is “May I help you?” I hope you enjoy learning Japanese with us.