Meaning
Used to indicate that something is alright or no problem.
Cultural Background
The ambiguity of 'Daijoubu' is a feature, not a bug. It allows people to avoid direct confrontation. Foreigners often find 'Daijoubu' confusing because it doesn't clearly mean 'yes' or 'no'.
The 'No' Buffer
Use this phrase to soften your 'no' so you don't sound blunt.
Ambiguity Alert
If you are in a high-stakes situation, clarify your meaning after saying Daijoubu.
Meaning
Used to indicate that something is alright or no problem.
The 'No' Buffer
Use this phrase to soften your 'no' so you don't sound blunt.
Ambiguity Alert
If you are in a high-stakes situation, clarify your meaning after saying Daijoubu.
Test Yourself
A clerk asks if you need a receipt. What do you say?
Receipt? (レシートは必要ですか？)
This is the standard polite way to decline in a shop.
Fill in the blank to ask if someone is okay.
____ですか？
Adding 'ka' to the end makes it a question.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesReceipt? (レシートは必要ですか？)
This is the standard polite way to decline in a shop.
____ですか？
Adding 'ka' to the end makes it a question.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt depends on the context! It usually means 'No, I don't need it' or 'Yes, I am okay'.
Yes, but add 'desu' to be polite.
Related Phrases
問題ない
synonymNo problem
平気です
similarI'm fine/unaffected
いいです
similarIt's fine/no thanks
