Translation guide
The English word 'safe' covers physical safety, security from harm, and the idea of being free from risk or danger. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether you mean 'not in danger,' 'not dangerous,' 'secure from theft or attack,' or 'certain to not cause problems.'
Describing a person, place, or thing that is not exposed to danger or risk.
The most common and general word for 'safe,' meaning free from danger or risk. Used for physical safety, security, and abstract safety.
この辺りは夜でも安全です。
This area is safe even at night.
安全な場所に避難してください。
Please evacuate to a safe place.
Means 'safe and sound,' often used when someone returns unharmed or something arrives without incident. Emphasizes the outcome of being unharmed.
彼は無事に帰ってきた。
He came back safe and sound.
Often used in casual conversation to mean 'safe' or 'okay,' implying no harm or problem. Can be used to reassure someone.
Describing something that does not pose a risk or threat.
Emphasizing protection against intentional harm, crime, or loss.
Used figuratively to mean 'reliable' or 'without risk of failure.'
Used in contexts like baseball (safe call) or children's games.
Loanword used in baseball and tag-like games to mean 'safe.' Also used colloquially to mean 'just barely okay' or 'within limits.'
安全 (あんぜん) is the general word for 'safe' as a state or quality. 無事 (ぶじ) focuses on the outcome of being unharmed after a potential danger. 大丈夫 (だいじょうぶ) is a casual, reassuring word meaning 'okay' or 'safe' in the sense of 'no problem.'
この車は安全だ。
This car is safe (well-built, not dangerous).
事故にあったが、無事だった。
I had an accident, but I was safe (unharmed).
もう大丈夫？
Are you safe now? (Are you okay?)
The package arrived safely.
ここにいれば大丈夫だよ。
You'll be safe if you stay here.
もう大丈夫ですか？
Are you safe now? / Are you okay now?
Also used for things that are not dangerous. '安全な' before a noun means 'safe (thing).'
この水は飲んでも安全ですか？
Is this water safe to drink?
安全なおもちゃを選びましょう。
Let's choose safe toys.
The negative form of '危ない' (dangerous). A more colloquial way to say 'not dangerous.'
この道は危なくないよ。
This road is safe (not dangerous).
Still the primary word, but often used in contexts like 'security' or 'safekeeping.'
貴重品は安全な場所に保管してください。
Please keep valuables in a safe place.
Loanword from English, used for digital security, building security, etc. Not a direct adjective, but used in compounds like 'セキュリティがしっかりしている' (security is tight).
このサイトはセキュリティがしっかりしているので安全です。
This site is safe because its security is solid.
Can be used metaphorically for choices or actions that are low-risk.
それは安全な選択だ。
That's a safe choice.
Means 'safe' in the sense of 'uncontroversial' or 'unlikely to cause criticism.' Often used for fashion, opinions, or decisions.
無難な色を選んだ。
I chose a safe color.
彼の答えは無難だった。
His answer was safe (uncontroversial).
Means 'solid, sound, safe' in terms of reliability, often for investments or plans.
堅実な投資をする。
Make a safe investment.
判定はセーフ！
The call is safe!
締め切りに間に合ってセーフだった。
I made the deadline, so I was safe.
セーフ is only used in specific contexts like sports, games, or colloquially for 'barely making it.' It cannot replace 安全 for general safety.
セーフ is only used in specific contexts like sports, games, or colloquially for 'barely making it.' It cannot replace 安全 for general safety.