Translation guide
The English word 'okay' is used in many situations: to agree, to give permission, to say something is acceptable, or to check understanding. Japanese has different expressions depending on the context.
To agree with a suggestion or confirm something.
Standard polite 'yes'. Used in formal and everyday situations.
「これでいいですか？」「はい、大丈夫です。」
"Is this okay?" "Yes, that's fine."
Casual 'yeah'. Used among friends and family.
「明日映画に行かない？」「うん、いいよ。」
"Want to go to a movie tomorrow?" "Yeah, sounds good."
Polite but slightly softer than はい. Common in Kansai region and in less formal polite speech.
「お茶はいかがですか？」「ええ、いただきます。」
"Would you like some tea?" "Yes, please."
To give permission or say it's allowed.
Casual 'it's okay' or 'go ahead'. Very common in daily conversation.
「これ借りてもいい？」「いいよ。」
"Can I borrow this?" "Sure."
Polite version of いいよ. Adds です for politeness.
「ここに座ってもいいですか？」「いいですよ。」
"May I sit here?" "Certainly."
Formal 'I don't mind' / 'It's okay'. Used in business or with strangers.
「明日お電話しても構いませんか？」「ええ、構いません。」
"May I call you tomorrow?" "Yes, that's fine."
To say something is good enough or not a problem.
Means 'okay', 'all right', 'safe'. Very versatile. Can be used to ask if something is okay or to confirm it's fine.
「このプランで大丈夫ですか？」「はい、大丈夫です。」
"Is this plan okay?" "Yes, it's fine."
Can mean 'fine' or 'good enough'. Often used when something is acceptable but not perfect. Also used to decline offers politely.
Literally 'no problem'. Used to say something is okay or there's no issue.
「遅れても大丈夫？」「うん、問題ないよ。」
"Is it okay if I'm late?" "Yeah, no problem."
To confirm that the listener understands or agrees, like 'okay?' or 'got it?'.
Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or confirmation, like 'right?' or 'okay?'. Used in casual and polite speech.
明日は10時集合ね。
We're meeting at 10 tomorrow, okay?
Casual 'okay?' or 'ready?'. Often used before starting something.
行くよ。いい？
Here we go. Ready?
Very formal 'is that acceptable?'. Used in business or customer service.
こちらのプランでよろしいですか。
Is this plan okay with you?
To politely decline an offer.
Used to decline offers politely. Means 'I'm fine' or 'no thank you'.
「お水をもう一杯いかがですか？」「大丈夫です。」
"Would you like another glass of water?" "I'm okay, thanks."
More formal way to decline. Can sound a bit blunt if not careful.
「コーヒーのおかわりはいかがですか？」「結構です。」
"Would you like a refill of coffee?" "No, thank you."
The English word 'okay' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using オーケー (ōkē) is understood but can sound overly casual or like English slang. It's better to use the appropriate Japanese expression for the situation.
大丈夫 is the safest choice for 'okay' in most situations. 結構 can mean 'fine' but is also used to decline offers, so context is important. When declining, 大丈夫です is softer than 結構です.
「この料理はどう？」「結構おいしいよ。」
"How's this dish?" "It's pretty good."