
Readers’ Corner: A Tricky Word
The Japanese word “daijobu” is tricky. It can mean “yes” or “no” depending on the situation. Once I asked my son. “Can you come for dinner?” He answered, “Daijobu.” I thought he would come, but he meant that he didn’t need dinner. I waited for him, but he didn’t show up. When I asked him about it, he told me about his experience working at a convenience store. He asks customers, “Do you want a plastic bag?” and some of them answer, “Daijobu.” They don’t need one. I think young people use “daijobu” as a softer way of refusing something. When I am asked the same question at a convenience store, I make it a rule to answer, “Iranai desu.” That is very clear. Maybe “daijobu” has a softer nuance, but it’s more confusing. (134 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com