How to Say ‘Please don't push yourself too hard.’ in Japanese
無理しないでくださいね。
muri shi nai de kudasai ne
[MOO-ree shee nah-ee deh kudasai neh]
💬 Usage Tip: 無理 (muri) means "impossible" or "too much", so 無理しない is "don't overdo it". The ないでください ending turns any verb into a polite "please don't".
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a very common caring phrase toward someone ill, tired or older. Saying it to your mother-in-law comes across as warm and considerate.
Phrase Breakdown
無理しないで
muri shi nai de
don't overdo it
無理 (muri) means 'too much' or 'impossible.' 無理する means 'to push yourself too hard.' しないで means 'don't do.'
無理しないで休んで。
Don't overdo it. Take a rest.
Words in this phrase
無理
muri
[MOO-ree]
overdoing it; unreasonable
With する, means to push oneself too hard.
無理しないでください。
Please don't overdo it.
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
ない
nai
[nah-ee]
not
A negative ending for verbs and adjectives in plain form.
今日はうまくいかない。
It is not going well today.
で
de
[deh]
(te-form connector)
Part of the te-form; with iru it shows an ongoing state.
ここに住んでいます。
I live here.
くださいね。
kudasai ne
please, okay?
ください makes a polite request. ね adds warmth and care. Say it softly: 'kudasai ne.'
気をつけてくださいね。
Please take care, okay?
Words in this phrase
ください
kudasai
[kudasai]
please (do)
Used to make a polite request.
手伝ってください。
Please help me.
ね
ne
[neh]
okay?; right?
Adds softness and care, often used when comforting someone.
今日はもう休もうね。
Let's rest for today now, okay?
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