What Does “Nankurunaisa" Really Mean?

There’s an Okinawan phrase that many people misunderstand:

Nankurunaisa (なんくるないさ).

It’s often translated as:

“Everything will be okay.”
“Things will work out somehow.”

And if that’s all you hear, it can sound like a very laid back way of thinking.

Don’t worry too much.
Don’t overthink it.
Things will work themselves out.

It fits perfectly with the easygoing image people often have of Okinawa, and because of that, Nankurunaisa can sometimes be interpreted as simply “it’ll be fine somehow,” as if there’s no need to think too much, prepare, or make an effort.

But nankurunaisa carries a much deeper meaning.

And to be honest, when someone uses “Nankurunaisa!” casually to mean something like “whatever, it’ll work out,” without really understanding the meaning behind it, it annoys me just a little. Haha.

The phrase is said to come from a longer expression:

Makutu sōkē, nankurunaisa.
（まくとぅそーけー、なんくるないさ）

Makutu refers to sincerity, honesty, and doing what is right.

The idea is that if you live with integrity, do what you should do, and face things sincerely, eventually things will move in the direction they are meant to go.

So behind the simple words “everything will be okay,” there is actually effort and sincerity.

My mom uses nankurunaisa a lot.

But she is also one of the most prepared and hardworking people I know. She works hard, thinks ahead, and will often do twice as much when it’s for someone else.

That’s the kind of nankurunaisa we mean.

So when I tell myself, nankurunaisa, I’m not saying:

“I don’t need to do anything. It’ll be fine.”

I’m telling myself:

“I’ve been sincere.
I’ve worked hard.
I’ve done everything I can.

Now, I have to trust that things will work out.”

To me, nankurunaisa isn’t simply about being optimistic.

It’s about doing what you can, with sincerity and integrity, and then trusting what comes next.

So next time you use nankurunaisa, remember the meaning behind it, too.

Okinawa Insider by OKIBABE 🌺

Local tips, island culture, hidden spots, and the little things most guidebooks never tell you. Helping you experience Okinawa like a local, not just a tourist.