Meaning
A polite and concerned phrase, often said to someone who is ill.
Cultural Background
In Japanese clinics, the staff will always say 'O-daiji ni' as you leave. It is considered part of the treatment process to offer these words of comfort. Saying 'O-daiji ni' to a colleague who is sick is crucial for maintaining 'Wa' (harmony). It signals that you don't mind doing extra work while they are away. When visiting someone in the hospital, it is common to bring a gift called 'Omimai.' As you present it and leave, 'O-daiji ni' is the standard closing. You will see many people in Japan wearing masks. If a friend is wearing one and looks tired, saying 'O-daiji ni' is a kind way to acknowledge they might be struggling.
Drop the 'douzo' for friends
With close friends, just say 'O-daiji ni!' It sounds more natural and less like a doctor.
Don't say it to yourself
If you are sick, you don't say 'O-daiji ni.' You say 'Kaze o hikimashita' (I caught a cold).
Meaning
A polite and concerned phrase, often said to someone who is ill.
Drop the 'douzo' for friends
With close friends, just say 'O-daiji ni!' It sounds more natural and less like a doctor.
Don't say it to yourself
If you are sick, you don't say 'O-daiji ni.' You say 'Kaze o hikimashita' (I caught a cold).
Use with 'Yukkuri'
Saying 'Yukkuri yasunde, o-daiji ni' (Rest slowly/well, take care) is the ultimate caring phrase.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
1. Friend is going to Osaka. 2. Friend has a fever. 3. Friend finished a big project.
Travel = Ki o tsukete; Illness = O-daiji ni; Work = Otsukaresama.
Complete the pharmacist's sentence.
お{薬|くすり}です。お____にどうぞ。
O-daiji ni is the set phrase for health.
Choose the best response.
A: {風|かぜ}を{引|ひ}いたので、{今日|きょう}は{休|やす}みます。 B: ________
When someone says they are resting due to a cold, you show concern.
Which is the MOST formal version?
Select the most formal way to say 'Take care.'
Adding 'nasatte kudasai' (honorific) makes it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say O-daiji ni
Health
- • Cold/Flu
- • Broken Bone
- • Headache
Not Health
- • Vacation
- • Leaving Work
- • Going to School
Practice Bank
4 exercises1. Friend is going to Osaka. 2. Friend has a fever. 3. Friend finished a big project.
Travel = Ki o tsukete; Illness = O-daiji ni; Work = Otsukaresama.
お{薬|くすり}です。お____にどうぞ。
O-daiji ni is the set phrase for health.
A: {風|かぜ}を{引|ひ}いたので、{今日|きょう}は{休|やす}みます。 B: ________
When someone says they are resting due to a cold, you show concern.
Select the most formal way to say 'Take care.'
Adding 'nasatte kudasai' (honorific) makes it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but use the full version: '{お|o}{大|だい}{事|じ}になさってください' to be extra respectful.
Yes, it's used for injuries too, not just illnesses.
It's better to use 'Otsukaresama' if you aren't sure. 'O-daiji ni' specifically implies a medical condition.
A slight nod or a small bow is very common and adds to the feeling of concern.
Related Phrases
{お|o}{体|からだ}を{大|だい}{事|じ}に
similarTake care of your body
{気|き}をつけて
contrastBe careful / Take care
{お|o}{疲|つか}れ{様|さま}
contrastGood job / You must be tired
{御|ご}{自|じ}{愛|あい}ください
specialized formPlease take care of yourself
