Words for safety and security
Japanese uses different words for physical safety, peace of mind, security, and stability.
大丈夫 (All right)
大丈夫 is a broad word for saying that something is fine or not a problem. Context determines the meaning, so 大丈夫 covers more ground than the other words in this group.
Takeo takes his pregnant mother to the hospital, as she’s getting close to delivery. Once there, she gives Takeo and his friend Suna a list of things to take care of during her stay.
- 母さん:
- 「大丈夫だから心配すんな」
- “I'll be fine, so don't worry.”
安心 (Peace of mind)
安心 describes freedom from anxiety. It names the calm one feels when they believe things are secure. Since that feeling depends on the individual’s experience and circumstances, one person can feel 安心 in a situation that still worries someone else.
After returning home from work, Nishikata is ready to sit back and relax for a bit. Takagi leans over and asks Nishikata if he knows what day it is.
- 西片:
- 「あれ？何の日だっけ？」
- “Huh? What day is it again?”
- 高木:
- 「２人の記念日とかではないから安心して。」
- “Relax, it's not an anniversary or anything like that.”
平気 (Composed)
平気 describes someone who stays unaffected or unbothered by something that might cause worry. It focuses on the person’s reaction, so someone can be 平気 even in an uncomfortable situation.
無事 (Safety)
無事 describes coming through something without injury or trouble. It is used after danger or uncertainty has passed to confirm that nothing bad happened.
After school, Ninako notices Ren sleeping a few seats away on the train. When Ren wakes and rushes for his stop, he knocks Ninako’s phone from her hand. The phone hits the floor, and the strap charm breaks. Ren misses his exit while apologizing and offers to replace the charm.
- 仁奈子:
- 「だっ 大丈夫ですっ」
- “I—it's all right.”
- 「ケータイは無事だし！」
- “Since my cell phone is safe!”
- 「それにこのストラップただのジュースのおまけだし」
- “Furthermore, this strap was just a freebie that came with some juice.”
- 「しかももうだいぶ前〜〜〜〜のやつで古いから」
- “Plus, it's from way back when, so it's old.”
安全 (Safety)
安全 describes a situation with no danger, independent of how anyone feels about it. It points to external conditions, such as a safe method or a safe place.
At a nighttime festival, Sacchan, Yui, and Kotoha receive glowing star necklaces to wear. After some time, Sacchan’s mother arrives to pick them up.
- 結衣:
- 「あ 私のピカピカもう電池切れちゃった」
- “Ah, my light-up necklace's battery has already run out.”
- 母さん:
- 「あらま 光ってる方が安全でいいのに」
- “Oh dear, it's safer and better when it's lit up.”
In this scene, the light at the end of the necklace provides visibility as the night gets darker.
安定 (Stability)
安定 describes a calm, stable state without drastic change.
Coco and her friends are trapped in a maze and trying to find a way past a dragon. Seeing the others working out magic to use, Coco tries her hand at a spell, creating a flame. Agott isn’t impressed, but Tetia feels otherwise.
- テティア:
- 「炎が安定してる！」
- “The flame is stable!”
- 「前はすぐ落ちて燃え尽きちゃってたのにいつの間に！？」
- “It used to go out and burn out right away, so when did this happen!?”
安泰 (Peace)
安泰 describes a secure, stable state that gives one no reason to worry about the future.
During sports day, the events break for lunch. Lulu joins her friends, and they discuss the upcoming afternoon activities.
- 響子:
- 「騎馬戦は特に血の気が多いけど」
- “The cavalry battles are especially full of hot-blooded guys, though.”
- 清美:
- 「うちは番長がいるから安泰だよね～」
- “As long as the big boss is here, we're safe and sound, right~”