Hello, I’m Kodak.
You may have seen the Okinawan phrase nankurunaisa on a souvenir, in a song, or as a tattoo.
It is often translated as:
“Things will work out somehow.”
“It’ll be okay.”
なんくるないさ is traditionally connected with the longer saying:
まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ
The deeper message is closer to:
“Do what is right and sincere, and things will eventually work out.”
Nankurunaisa is written なんくるないさ in Japanese kana.
It is an Okinawan expression meaning “things will work out somehow” or “everything will be all right.”
However, when understood as part of まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ, it does not encourage laziness. It suggests that if you act sincerely and do what you should, you can then trust that things will work out.
- 1 What Does Nankurunaisa Mean?
- 2 Is Nankurunaisa Japanese or Okinawan?
- 3 The Deeper Meaning: まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ
- 4 Nankurunaisa Word Breakdown and Etymology
- 5 How to Write Nankurunaisa in Japanese
- 6 How to Pronounce Nankurunaisa
- 7 Nankurunaisa Tattoo Meaning and Spelling Guide
- 8 How to Use Nankurunaisa Naturally
- 9 Nankurunaisa vs Nantoka Naru vs Daijoubu
- 10 Is Nankurunaisa the Same as “Hakuna Matata”?
- 11 Common Misunderstandings About Nankurunaisa
- 12 Natural Example Sentences with Nankurunaisa
- 13 FAQ About Nankurunaisa
- 13.1 What does nankurunaisa mean in English?
- 13.2 How do you write nankurunaisa in Japanese?
- 13.3 Is nankurunaisa a Japanese word?
- 13.4 What is the full nankurunaisa saying?
- 13.5 What does a nankurunaisa tattoo mean?
- 13.6 What is the correct spelling for a nankurunaisa tattoo?
- 13.7 Should I tattoo the short or full phrase?
- 13.8 Is nankurunaisa the same as daijoubu?
- 13.9 Is nankurunaisa the same as nantoka naru?
- 13.10 Can I write nankurunaisa in katakana?
- 14 Summary: Nankurunaisa Meaning, Japanese Writing, and Tattoo Advice
- 15 References
What Does Nankurunaisa Mean?
Romaji: nankuru nai sa
Joined spelling: nankurunaisa
Basic meaning: Everything will be all right; things will work out somehow
Region: Okinawa
Type: Okinawan expression
The short phrase is commonly used as a reassuring or hopeful message. Depending on context, natural English translations include:
- Everything will be okay.
- It will all work out.
- Things will sort themselves out somehow.
- We’ll find a way.
- Don’t lose hope.
Standard Japanese なんとかなる means “things will work out somehow.”
Okinawan なんくるないさ expresses a similar idea, but it also carries a strong cultural association with Okinawa and with the longer saying about sincere action.
心配しないで。なんくるないさ。
Shinpai shinaide. Nankuru nai sa.
Don’t worry. Everything will work out.
今は大変だけど、なんくるないさ。
Ima wa taihen da kedo, nankuru nai sa.
Things are difficult now, but it will be all right.
These example sentences combine standard Japanese with the Okinawan phrase. The exact way the expression is used can vary among speakers and communities.
Is Nankurunaisa Japanese or Okinawan?
なんくるないさ is associated with Okinawa, not ordinary standard Japanese.
It is often introduced in English as an “Okinawan dialect phrase.” More precisely, it belongs to the linguistic and cultural world of Uchinaaguchi and Okinawan regional speech.
なんとかなるよ。
Nantoka naru yo.
Things will work out somehow.
Okinawan expression:
なんくるないさ。
Nankuru nai sa.
Everything will work out.
Still, it should not be treated as a phrase that people throughout Japan use in ordinary daily conversation.
Related article: Japanese Dialects Explained
The Deeper Meaning: まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ
The short expression なんくるないさ is traditionally explained as part of a longer saying:
Approximate meaning:
If you act with sincerity and do what is right, things will eventually work out.
The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau explains that the first part, まくとぅそーけー, refers to doing what is true or right. The full idea is therefore not simply “leave everything to luck.”
It is similar to saying:
“Do your part sincerely, then accept what you cannot control.”
This is why the phrase can feel more meaningful than a casual “whatever happens, happens.”
“Everything will work out, so don’t worry.”
Deeper interpretation
“Follow the right path and make a sincere effort; then trust that things will work out.”
Is “Human Effort, Then Trust the Outcome” a Good Translation?
There is no single English sentence that reproduces every nuance. However, the following translations communicate the fuller idea more clearly than a purely passive “don’t worry”:
- Do what is right, and things will work out.
- Live sincerely, and the way forward will appear.
- Do all you can, then trust the outcome.
- With honest effort, things will eventually come together.
We will compare them in detail later in this article.
Nankurunaisa Word Breakdown and Etymology
According to the JLect database of Japonic languages and dialects, the expression can be analyzed as follows:
somehow; one way or another
ない (nai)
related to the Okinawan verb ないん, meaning to become, result in, or come about
さ (sa)
an emphatic sentence-ending particle
The resulting image is approximately:
＋
it will become / come about
＋
emphatic “it will” feeling
＝
“Somehow, it will work out.”
It looks meaningful if each character is interpreted separately, but it is not the accepted spelling or etymology of the Okinawan expression.
How to Write Nankurunaisa in Japanese
なんくるないさ
Romanization with word spacing:
nankuru nai sa
Common joined search spelling:
nankurunaisa
The phrase is normally written in hiragana. This is the safest and most natural spelling for learners, designs, merchandise, and tattoos.
Nankurunaisa in Hiragana
This is the recommended form.
Nankurunaisa in Katakana
Katakana is possible as a graphic or stylistic choice, but it looks stronger and more like a logo. It is not the default spelling.
Nankurunaisa in Kanji
You may see the following form online:
This is an invented phonetic-looking kanji spelling, sometimes accompanied by the incorrect explanation “hardships will not come.” JLect specifically rejects this writing and etymology.
For something permanent—especially a tattoo—use なんくるないさ.
What About なんくるないさー and なんくるないさぁ?
You may also see:
なんくるないさぁ
These spellings visually represent a lengthened final sound and can create a relaxed, conversational feeling.
For a dictionary-style spelling, article title, or permanent design, なんくるないさ is simpler and less dependent on performance or tone.
How to Pronounce Nankurunaisa
Romaji: nankuru nai sa
Approximate rhythm: nan-ku-ru-na-i-sa
Mora count: 6
Say each Japanese mora clearly:
ん — n
く — ku
る — ru
な — na
い — i
さ — sa
Although it is often divided for meaning as nankuru nai sa, the sounds flow together naturally in speech.
Do not turn them into one heavy English diphthong. The rhythm is closer to nan-ku-ru-na-i-sa.
Nankurunaisa Tattoo Meaning and Spelling Guide
Nankurunaisa is popular as a tattoo because it communicates hope, resilience, trust, and a connection with Okinawa.
Before making the phrase permanent, decide which message you actually want.
Option 1: Short Nankurunaisa Tattoo
Possible tattoo meaning:
Everything will be all right.
Things will work out.
Keep hope.
This is compact, recognizable, and visually balanced. It is the best option when you want the familiar short phrase.
Option 2: Full Okinawan Saying Tattoo
なんくるないさ
Possible tattoo meaning:
Act sincerely and do what is right; then trust that things will work out.
The full saying communicates effort and integrity more clearly. It is a stronger choice when you do not want the phrase to sound like passive optimism.
Choose the full form if your intended message is sincere action first, trust afterward.
Neither choice is automatically wrong, but they emphasize different parts of the cultural meaning.
Hiragana, Katakana, or Romaji for a Tattoo?
Soft, natural, traditional-looking, and recommended.
ナンクルナイサ — Katakana
Bold, graphic, modern, and more logo-like.
Nankuru nai sa — Roman letters
Easy for English readers, but less visually connected to Japanese/Okinawan writing.
Horizontal or Vertical Tattoo?
Both directions are possible.
なんくるないさ
Vertical:
な
ん
く
る
な
い
さ
For the full saying, a two-line horizontal design is often easier to read:
なんくるないさ
Five Checks Before Getting the Tattoo
なんくるないさ
2. Avoid the invented kanji form
Do not assume 難来る無いさ is authentic.
3. Decide between the short and full meanings
Hope alone, or sincere effort followed by trust?
4. Check the exact final artwork
Some decorative fonts make さ, き, ち, and other kana hard to distinguish.
5. Ask a knowledgeable Okinawan or Japanese reader to proofread
Have them inspect the actual stencil—not only typed text.
Start from verified text, then have the final design checked again after the artist converts it into artwork.
How to Use Nankurunaisa Naturally
The expression can reassure someone, encourage patience, or express hope after people have done what they can.
1. Reassuring Someone Who Is Worried
A：明日の面接、失敗したらどうしよう。
Ashita no mensetsu, shippai shitara dō shiyō.
What if I mess up tomorrow’s interview?B：準備したんだから大丈夫。なんくるないさ。
Junbi shita n da kara daijōbu. Nankuru nai sa.
You prepared, so you’ll be okay. Things will work out.
2. Encouraging Someone After a Setback
今回はうまくいかなかったけど、なんくるないさ。
Konkai wa umaku ikanakatta kedo, nankuru nai sa.
It didn’t work out this time, but things will be okay.
3. Trusting the Outcome After Making an Effort
できることは全部やった。あとは、なんくるないさ。
Dekiru koto wa zenbu yatta. Ato wa, nankuru nai sa.
I’ve done everything I can. Now I’ll trust that things will work out.
It is most meaningful after genuine effort, or when encouraging someone to keep acting sincerely without becoming overwhelmed by what they cannot control.
Nankurunaisa vs Nantoka Naru vs Daijoubu
These expressions can all reassure someone, but their meanings are not identical.
An Okinawan expression: things will work out somehow.
Carries an Okinawan cultural identity and may evoke the longer saying about sincere action.
なんとかなる (nantoka naru)
Standard Japanese: things will work out somehow.
The closest everyday standard-Japanese equivalent.
大丈夫 (daijōbu)
It is okay; I am okay; you will be fine; no problem.
A very broad and common reassurance.
Use なんくるないさ when you intentionally want the Okinawan expression and its cultural flavor.
The exam is difficult, but it will work out somehow.
心配しなくても大丈夫だよ。
You don’t need to worry. You’ll be fine.
できることをやったら、なんくるないさ。
Once you’ve done what you can, things will work out.
Is Nankurunaisa the Same as “Hakuna Matata”?
The phrases are often compared because both can convey reassurance and freedom from excessive worry.
However, they come from different languages and cultures, and they should not be treated as exact equivalents.
Don’t be overwhelmed by worry.
Important difference:
Nankurunaisa is an Okinawan expression and is often interpreted through the longer saying about acting sincerely before trusting the outcome.
Common Misunderstandings About Nankurunaisa
Misunderstanding 1: It Means “Do Nothing”
The deeper explanation of the full saying points in the opposite direction: act correctly and sincerely, then trust what follows.
Misunderstanding 2: It Is Standard Japanese
It is a famous Okinawan expression. The standard Japanese equivalent is closer to なんとかなる.
Misunderstanding 3: 難来る無いさ Is the Authentic Kanji
This is an invented spelling and should not be presented as the phrase’s genuine kanji origin.
Misunderstanding 4: Every Okinawan Uses It Constantly
The expression is culturally famous, but real usage varies by person, age, community, and situation—just as it does with regional sayings anywhere.
Misunderstanding 5: The Short Translation Tells the Whole Story
“Everything will be all right” is useful, but the longer phrase adds the idea of sincere or correct action.
Natural Example Sentences with Nankurunaisa
焦らなくても、なんくるないさ。
Aseranakute mo, nankuru nai sa.
You don’t have to panic. Things will work out.
失敗しても、また挑戦すればいい。なんくるないさ。
Shippai shite mo, mata chōsen sureba ii. Nankuru nai sa.
Even if you fail, you can try again. Everything will be okay.
家族みんなで力を合わせれば、なんくるないさ。
Kazoku minna de chikara o awasereba, nankuru nai sa.
If the whole family works together, things will work out.
結果はまだ分からないけど、できることはやった。なんくるないさ。
Kekka wa mada wakaranai kedo, dekiru koto wa yatta. Nankuru nai sa.
I don’t know the result yet, but I did what I could. Now I’ll trust that it will work out.
今はつらくても、いつか道は開ける。なんくるないさ。
Ima wa tsurakute mo, itsuka michi wa hirakeru. Nankuru nai sa.
Even if things are hard now, a path will open someday. It will be all right.
まくとぅそーけー、なんくるないさ。
Makutu sōkē, nankuru nai sa.
Do what is right and sincere, and things will work out.
FAQ About Nankurunaisa
What does nankurunaisa mean in English?
It means “everything will be all right,” “things will work out somehow,” or “it will be okay.” In its fuller cultural context, it can suggest doing what is right and sincere before trusting the outcome.
How do you write nankurunaisa in Japanese?
Write it in hiragana as なんくるないさ. This is the recommended spelling.
Is nankurunaisa a Japanese word?
It is an Okinawan expression, commonly described as Okinawan dialect or Uchinaaguchi, rather than an ordinary standard-Japanese phrase.
What is the full nankurunaisa saying?
The longer saying is まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ, commonly explained as “if you act sincerely and do what is right, things will work out.”
What does a nankurunaisa tattoo mean?
A short なんくるないさ tattoo can express hope, resilience, and trust that things will work out. The full saying places more emphasis on sincere action and personal integrity.
What is the correct spelling for a nankurunaisa tattoo?
The safest spelling is なんくるないさ. Avoid treating 難来る無いさ as authentic kanji.
Should I tattoo the short or full phrase?
Choose the short form for a compact “everything will be all right” message. Choose まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ when you want the fuller idea of acting sincerely and then trusting the outcome.
Is nankurunaisa the same as daijoubu?
Not exactly. 大丈夫 broadly means “okay,” “safe,” or “no problem.” なんくるないさ specifically suggests that things will work out somehow and carries Okinawan cultural meaning.
Is nankurunaisa the same as nantoka naru?
They are close in basic meaning. なんとかなる is standard Japanese, while なんくるないさ is Okinawan and can evoke the fuller saying about sincere conduct.
Can I write nankurunaisa in katakana?
Yes, ナンクルナイサ is possible as a stylistic design, but hiragana なんくるないさ is more natural and is recommended for learners.
Summary: Nankurunaisa Meaning, Japanese Writing, and Tattoo Advice
なんくるないさ means “everything will be all right” or “things will work out somehow.”
● Correct writing
なんくるないさ
● Language and region
It is an Okinawan expression, not a standard-Japanese phrase used everywhere in Japan.
● Deeper message
The full saying まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさ connects hope with sincere and correct action.
● Tattoo recommendation
Use hiragana. Choose the short form for reassurance, or the full form for the deeper “act sincerely, then trust the outcome” message.
● Important warning
Do not treat 難来る無いさ as authentic kanji or the true etymology.
Its deeper message is to live and act sincerely, while refusing to let uncertainty take away your hope.
References
- Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau: うちなんちゅ — explanation of the longer phrase and its interpretation.
- JLect: なんくるないさ — definition, word analysis, romanization, pronunciation, and warning about the erroneous kanji spelling.
- Ryukyu Shimpo: なんくるないさ — cultural explanation of the full saying.
- Okinawa CLIP: 沖縄の方言「なんくるないさ」の本当の意味とは！？ — overview of the short and full meanings.
