How to Say ‘It's okay to be here’ in Japanese
ここにいていい
koko ni i te ii
[koh-koh nee ee teh ee]
💬 Usage Tip: Full reassuring sentence. You can also say [ここでいいよ] (“Here is fine”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Coaches in Japan often soften instructions to keep kids confident and moving.
Phrase Breakdown
ここ
koko
[koh-koh]
here
Points to a specific spot. In soccer coaching, often used with gestures.
ここ にいていいよ。
You can stay here.
に
ni
[nee]
in; at (location marker)
Marks the place to stay: ここに = “here (at this spot)”.
ここに いればいい。
You should be here.
いていい
i te ii
it’s okay to stay (here)
「いる」te-form 「いて」 + 「いい」 = permission: “it’s okay to be/stay.” (Casual; often said as a reassurance.)
ここにいていいよ。
You can stay here.
Words in this phrase
い
i
[ee]
be/stay (いる)
Part of いて (te-form of いる). Indicates staying in position.
ここにい て、パスを待って。
Stay here and wait for the pass.
て
te
[teh]
-te (te-form)
Forms いて (“staying/being”). Used with いい to give permission.
ここにい て いいよ。
It’s okay to stay here.
いい
ii
[ee]
okay; good (permission)
In いていい, it means “allowed/okay”. Great for reassuring kids about positioning.
ここにいて いい。
It’s okay to stay here.
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