無理しないでね
Meaning: A caring phrase meaning 'don't push yourself too hard' or 'don't overdo it,' used to show concern for someone's wellbeing.
In a culture known for its strong work ethic and tendency to prioritise group needs over personal comfort, 無理しないでね serves as a gentle reminder to take care of oneself. It is used when someone is working too hard, recovering from illness, or facing a difficult situation. The ね at the end softens it into a caring suggestion rather than a command. It is one of the most commonly texted phrases of concern.
Examples
- 最近忙しそうだけど、無理しないでね。 最近看你好像很忙,别太勉强自己哦。Últimamente pareces muy ocupado, no te fuerces demasiado.요즘 바빠 보이는데, 무리하지 마.
- 体調悪いなら無理しないでね、休んでいいよ。 身体不舒服的话就别勉强了,休息一下也没关系。Si no te encuentras bien, no te fuerces, puedes descansar.몸 안 좋으면 무리하지 마, 쉬어도 돼.
- 頑張るのはいいけど、無理しないでね。 努力是好事,但别太拼了。Está bien esforzarse, pero no te fuerces demasiado.열심히 하는 건 좋지만, 무리하지 마.
Pronunciation
/mɯ.ɾi.ɕi.na.i.de.ne/
Usage Guide
Context: texting, friends, family, workplace peers
Tone: caring, gentle
✓ Do Say
- 無理しないでね、いつでも相談してね (Don't push yourself, you can talk to me anytime)别太勉强,随时可以找我聊聊(Don't push yourself, you can talk to me anytime)No te fuerces, puedes contar conmigo cuando quieras.무리하지 마, 언제든 상담해 (무리하지 마, 언제든 이야기해)
- 残業多すぎない?無理しないでね (Aren't you working too much overtime? Don't overdo it)加班是不是太多了?别太拼了(Aren't you working too much overtime? Don't overdo it)¿No estás haciendo demasiadas horas extra? No te fuerces demasiado.야근 너무 많은 거 아니야? 무리하지 마 (야근이 너무 많지 않아? 무리하지 마)
✗ Don't Say
- 自分が頼み事をしながら「無理しないでね」は矛盾する (Saying 無理しないでね while asking someone to do something for you is contradictory)一边拜托别人做事一边说「無理しないでね」是自相矛盾的(Saying 無理しないでね while asking someone to do something for you is contradictory)Decir「無理しないでね」mientras le estás pidiendo un favor a alguien resulta contradictorio.자기가 부탁을 하면서 「無理しないでね」라고 하면 모순이다 (누군가에게 부탁을 하면서 無理しないでね라고 하면 앞뒤가 맞지 않습니다)
Common Mistakes
- Saying 無理しないでね to a superior — use 無理なさらないでください for polite form
- Using it sarcastically — the phrase is genuinely caring and sarcasm would be hurtful
Origin & History
From 無理 (unreasonable/impossible) + しないで (don't do) + ね (softening particle). Reflects a deeply Japanese cultural value of caring for others while gently cautioning against overwork — a concept deeply tied to Japan's awareness of karōshi (death from overwork).
Cultural Context
Era: Long-standing, gained prominence alongside awareness of overwork culture
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used nationwide. Especially common in texting and LINE messages. Reflects Japan's growing awareness of work-life balance and mental health.
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