Significado
A polite way to tell someone not to worry or make special efforts for you.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Enryo' (restraint) is central. Declining an offer once or twice is often seen as more polite than accepting immediately. In business, 'Okizukai naku' helps maintain a professional distance. It prevents the other party from feeling they have to perform extra labor, which could create a 'debt' (Giri). In Kyoto, politeness can be even more indirect. 'Okizukai naku' might be used to signal that a visit should end soon. In Slack or email, 'Okizukai naku' is used to reduce the 'reply burden.' People add 'Henshin ni wa oyobimasen node, okizukai naku' (No need to reply, don't worry).
The 'Douzo' Softener
Always add 'Douzo' before the phrase to sound 10x more natural and polite.
Don't be too cold
If you say it too fast without a smile, it can sound like 'Leave me alone.' Pair it with a small bow.
Significado
A polite way to tell someone not to worry or make special efforts for you.
The 'Douzo' Softener
Always add 'Douzo' before the phrase to sound 10x more natural and polite.
Don't be too cold
If you say it too fast without a smile, it can sound like 'Leave me alone.' Pair it with a small bow.
The Second Offer
In Japan, if someone says 'Okizukai naku,' it's polite to offer one more time just to be sure. If they say it again, then stop.
Ponte a prueba
Match the response to the situation.
A neighbor brings you some extra vegetables from their garden.
This expresses that they shouldn't have gone to the trouble, while still being grateful.
Complete the sentence to be polite.
すぐ失礼しますので、どうぞ（ ）なく。
The full polite form requires the 'O' prefix and the word 'Kizukai'.
Which phrase is best for a close friend?
Your best friend offers to buy you a coffee.
'Okizukai naku' is too formal for a best friend.
Complete the business dialogue.
Staff: 雨ですので、駅までお送りしましょうか？ You: いいえ、（ ）。タクシーを呼びましたから。
'Okizukai naku' is the most standard way to decline a polite offer of help like a ride.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use which 'Don't Worry'
Formal/Business
- • Okizukai naku
- • Oki ni nasarazu
Hospitality/Home
- • Okamainaku
Friends/Casual
- • Ki ni shinaide
- • Daijoubu
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosA neighbor brings you some extra vegetables from their garden.
This expresses that they shouldn't have gone to the trouble, while still being grateful.
すぐ失礼しますので、どうぞ（ ）なく。
The full polite form requires the 'O' prefix and the word 'Kizukai'.
Your best friend offers to buy you a coffee.
'Okizukai naku' is too formal for a best friend.
Staff: 雨ですので、駅までお送りしましょうか？ You: いいえ、（ ）。タクシーを呼びましたから。
'Okizukai naku' is the most standard way to decline a polite offer of help like a ride.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasNot exactly. 'No thank you' (Kekkou desu) is a direct refusal. 'Okizukai naku' is more about the other person's effort. It's softer.
Yes, it is very common in business emails to tell someone they don't need to reply or take extra steps.
'Okamainaku' is for hospitality (food, drinks, hosting). 'Okizukai' is for general concern or effort.
No, it's actually very polite because it shows you are thinking about their busy schedule.
Frases relacionadas
{お構|おかま}いなく
similarDon't go to any trouble (specifically for hospitality).
{遠慮|えんりょ}なく
contrastWithout hesitation / Please feel free.
{気|き}にしないで
informal alternativeDon't worry about it.
{お気|おき}になさらず
similarDon't let it bother you.
