Words for safety and security

Japanese has several words for safety and stability, each differing in meaning and nuance.

大丈夫 (All right)

大丈夫(だいじょうぶ) 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(かあ)さん:

「大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)から心配(しんぱい)すんな」

“I'll be fine, so don't worry.”

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安心 (Peace of mind)

安心(あんしん) 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(あんしん) 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(にしかた):

「あれ？何(なん)の日(ひ)だっけ？」

“Huh? What day is it again?”

高木(たかぎ):

「２人(ふたり)の記念日(きねんび)とかではないから安心(あんしん)して。」

“Relax, it's not an anniversary or anything like that.”

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In this scene, Nishikata faces no danger. He feels anxious because he thinks he has forgotten an important date.

平気 (Composed)

平気(へいき) describes someone who stays unaffected or unbothered by something that might cause worry. It describes whether a situation has danger. 平気(へいき) focuses on the person’s reaction, so someone can be 平気(へいき) even in an uncomfortable situation.

無事 (Safety)

無事(ぶじ) 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(になこ):

「だっ　大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)ですっ」

“I—it's all right.”

「ケータイは無事(ぶじ)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 is just a juice prize.”

「しかももうだいぶ前(まえ)〜〜〜〜のやつで古(ふる)いから」

“Plus, it's from way back when, so it's old.”

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安全 (Safety)

安全(あんぜん) 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(ゆい):

「あ　私(わたし)のピカピカもう電池(でんち)切(き)れちゃった」

“Ah, my sparkler's battery has already run out.”

母(かあ)さん:

「あらま　光(ひか)ってる方(ほう)が安全(あんぜん)でいいのに」

“Oh dear, it's safer and better when it's lit up.”

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In this scene, the light at the end of the necklace provides visibility as the night gets darker.

安定 (Stability)

安定(あんてい) describes stability: a calm 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(ほのお)が安定(あんてい)してる！」

“The flame is stable!”

「前(まえ)はすぐ落(お)ちて燃(も)え尽(つ)きちゃってたのにいつの間(ま)に！？」

“It used to go out and burn out right away, so when did this happen!?”

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安泰 (Peace)

安泰(あんたい) 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(きょうこ):

「騎馬戦(きばせん)は特(とく)に血(ち)の気(き)が多(おお)いけど」

“The cavalry battles are especially full of hot-blooded guys, though.”

清美(きよみ):

「うちは番長(ばんちょう)がいるから安泰(あんたい)だよね～」

“As long as the big boss is here, we're safe and sound, right~”

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