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How to Say ‘Don't push yourself.’ in Japanese

無理しなくていいのよ。

muri shi naku te ii no yo

[MOO-ree shee naku teh ee-ee noh yo]

🇯🇵 In Japan: The soft のよ ending sounds warm and motherly, so you'll typically hear this from a mother-in-law. It's a genuine kindness, but it's polite to still try to attend.

Phrase Breakdown

無理しなくて

muri shi naku te

not pushing yourself

無理する (muri suru) means 'to overdo it'. しなくて is its negative te-form. 'Muri' uses a light, tapped r.

Example

無理しなくて大丈夫です。

It's fine not to push yourself.

Words in this phrase

無理

muri

[MOO-ree]

overdoing it; unreasonable

With する, means to push oneself too hard.

Example

無理しないでください。

Please don't overdo it.

し

shi

[shee]

し is the stem of する, meaning to do.

Example

予約しします。

I do the reservation.

なく

naku

[naku]

not

Negative form indicator.

Example

今日は行けなくなった。

I can't go today.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

いいのよ。

ii no yo

it's okay, you know

いい means 'good / okay'. のよ is a soft, warm ending, often used by women or in caring speech. Hold 'ii' as a long vowel.

Example

気にしなくていいのよ。

You don't have to worry about it, you know.

Words in this phrase

いい

[ee-ee]

good; okay

Shows that something is acceptable or permitted.

Example

ここに書いてもいいです。

It is okay to write here.

の

[noh]

(explanatory/soft ending)

Sentence-final particle giving a soft, explaining tone, often feminine.

Example

心配しなくていいの。

You don't need to worry.

よ

[yo]

you know; assurance

Sentence-ending particle adding emphasis, assurance, or new information for the listener.

Example

ありますよと店員さんが言いました。

The staff said, 'Yes, we have it.'

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