Member-only story
Everything’s gonna be alright
Learn The Japanese Magic Word
Equivalent to the English “OK” and the French “ça va”
I’ve been living in Japan for over six years now. I speak Japanese at home with my lady, at work, and whenever I go out. While I’m by no means native, I think it’s safe to say I’m fluent in the language.
Studying Japanese has been a wonderful life experience. It has led me to reexamine my relationship with language, rethink the importance of context, and reimagine how the words we know shape the way we think.
There’s one Japanese word that, in my view, beautifully illustrates how culture shapes language and how language perpetuates culture.
It’s the word I use more than any on a daily basis. Japan’s magic word.
Say it with me.
Dai-Jou-Bu
Pronounced Die-Joe-Boo, だいじょうぶ / 大丈夫
What does it mean? Well… everything!
Does your friend look a bit sad? Ask them, “Daijoubu?” meaning, “Are you OK?” They’ll probably reply, “Ah, Daijoubu!”
Want to give up your seat to an old lady on the train, but she doesn’t want to take it? Give a gentle smile, a quick nod and say, “Daijoubu, douzo,” meaning “it’s OK, go…
