Baseball term: a runner is called safe. Opposite of アウト.
See also: アウト
The runner was called safe at first base.
The call is safe! The runner stayed on first base.
Sports term: a ball lands inside the court or field of play. Opposite of アウト.
See also: イン
彼のショットはぎりぎりセーフだった。
His shot was just barely in.
safe; all right; OK; acceptable; in time
Everyday use: not in danger, within a limit, or meeting a minimum requirement. Often used when narrowly avoiding trouble or a deadline.
Antonyms: アウト
終電に間に合ってセーフだった。
I made the last train, so I was safe.
この点数なら合格はセーフだと思う。
With this score, I think passing is safe.
The ball landed just inside the line and was called safe.
I just barely made the deadline.
I think this outfit is acceptable even for the office.
イン describes a shot or serve landing within the court lines, while セーフ describes a runner or ball being ruled safe from being called out; learners mix these up in tennis contexts.
セーフ means 'safe' (e.g. safe in baseball), and sounds similar to セーブ but has a completely different meaning.
Used to count instances of a safe call in baseball, as in 「セーフ1回」.
safety
fail-safe
all safe; all runners safe
safeguard
safe mode
Borrowed from English 'safe'. Used in baseball and other sports, then extended to general informal use.
sliding safely (baseball) · just making it; barely on time
safety zone