How to Say ‘But one or so should be fine.’ in Japanese
でも一個くらいなら大丈夫よ。
de mo itsu ko kurai nara daijoubu yo
[deh moh ichi ko koo-rah-ee nah-rah dye-joh-boo yoh]
Phrase Breakdown
でも一個くらいなら
de mo itsu ko kurai nara
but if it's just about one
でも means 'but'. Keep it joined to the next words and say it in one smooth breath.
でも一個くらいならいいよ。
But just one is okay.
Words in this phrase
で
de
[deh]
but (part of でも)
First part of でも, 'but; however' at sentence start.
でも、行きたいです。
But I want to go.
も
mo
[moh]
(part of でも 'but')
Second part of でも, together meaning 'but'.
でも大丈夫です。
But it's fine.
一
itsu
[ichi]
one
The number one. With counters, pronunciation may change depending on the counter.
一杯お願いします。
One cup, please.
個
ko
[ko]
counter for pieces/items
A general counter used for small, separate items such as eggs, potatoes, or croquettes.
じゃがいもを三個ください。
Please give me three potatoes.
くらい
kurai
[koo-rah-ee]
about; extent
Shows degree or amount, together with どの to mean “how much/how long.”
どのくらいかかりますか、と聞きます。
You ask, “How long will it take?”
なら
nara
[nah-rah]
if it is; if; as for
Used to set a condition, often meaning 'if it is the case that...'
午後3時までなら今日届けられます。
If it is by 3 p.m., it can be delivered today.
大丈夫よ。
daijoubu yo
it's fine
大丈夫 means okay or fine, and よ adds friendly reassurance. Say da-i-jo-o-bu-yo, with a long 'jo'.
心配しないで、大丈夫よ。
Don't worry, it's fine.
Words in this phrase
大丈夫
daijoubu
[dye-joh-boo]
okay; all right; no problem
Used to say something is fine, acceptable, or manageable.
土曜日でも大丈夫です。
Saturday is fine too.
よ
yo
[yoh]
you know; emphasis
A sentence-ending particle adding emphasis, assurance, or informing the listener.
大丈夫だよ。
It is okay, you know.
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