大丈夫 vs 平気
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 大丈夫
Listen to 平気
| 大丈夫 | 平気 |
|---|---|
dai-JOH-bu na-adjective / expression | へいき na-adjective / expression |
| all right; okay; fine; not a problem; safe | fine; unfazed; don't mind |
How they differ
平気 emphasizes being unaffected or indifferent (emotionally or physically): it often implies 'I'm okay' or 'I don't care,' whereas 大丈夫 can be a sympathetic check about safety or ability. 平気 can also suggest resilience or lack of concern rather than reassurance.
When to use each
When to use 大丈夫: Prefer 大丈夫 when you want to check someone's condition or offer reassurance out of concern.
When to use 平気: Prefer 平気 when you want to say you personally are unbothered, can handle something, or don't mind a situation (casual contexts).
Side-by-side examples
- 大丈夫？手伝おうか？
(Are you okay? Shall I help?) - 雨に濡れても平気だよ。
(I'm fine getting wet in the rain.)
Register & nuance: 平気 is casual and common in spoken Japanese; it can sound blunt or indifferent in polite/formal contexts unless softened.