Translation guide
The English adverb 'safely' describes doing something without harm, danger, or risk. In Japanese, it is often expressed with adverbs like 安全に (anzen ni) or 無事に (buji ni), but the choice depends on whether the focus is on the manner of action, the successful outcome, or a safe return. Sometimes the idea is conveyed through verbs or set phrases rather than a direct adverb.
Describing an action performed in a way that avoids harm, danger, or risk.
The most direct equivalent. Used when emphasizing that an action is done carefully and without danger. Common in instructions and descriptions.
Please drive safely.
The children are playing safely.
Focuses on the successful, incident-free outcome. Often used for arriving, returning, or completing something without trouble.
I arrived home safely.
The plane landed safely.
Literally 'without becoming serious'. Used when a potentially dangerous situation ends safely. Formal and somewhat literary.
The accident ended safely (without serious consequences).
Emphasizing that something ended well, with no harm or trouble, often after a journey or risky event.
The standard word for 'safely' when referring to a successful, trouble-free outcome. Very common for arrivals and returns.
He came back safely.
I'm glad you're safe.
Can also be used for outcomes, but more often for the manner of action. Slightly less natural than 無事に for arrivals.
A set phrase meaning 'safe return', often used in news or formal contexts.
Used when you can say something with certainty, or when an action can be done without risk of mistake.
Means 'with peace of mind' or 'without worry'. Often used when you can trust something or do something without hesitation.
You can use this product safely (with confidence).
You can safely leave it to us.
Means 'without mistake' or 'definitely'. Used when you can assert something safely.
He will safely win (without a doubt).
Literally 'in the safe zone'. Used figuratively for being in a safe position or margin.
Describing that something is put away or kept in a place where it won't be damaged or lost.
安全に (anzen ni) focuses on the manner of doing something without danger, like driving carefully. 無事に (buji ni) focuses on the result—arriving or ending without incident. Use 安全に for ongoing actions and 無事に for completed events.
I drove safely, so I arrived safely.
While 安全に can be used for arrivals, 無事に is much more natural when talking about reaching a destination or returning home. Using 安全に in these contexts can sound stiff or overly literal.
Everyone evacuated safely.
The astronauts' safe return was reported.
His score is safely in the lead.
I'll keep this photo safely.