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How to Say ‘You know; it is’ in Japanese

ですよ

desu yo

[dess yoh]

💬 Usage Tip: [ですよ] adds friendly emphasis. It can sound like 'you know' or 'I'm telling you' in a light way.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese speakers use [ですよ] to sound warm and confident, especially when sharing recommendations or personal observations.

Phrase Breakdown

です

desu

[dess]

to be / is / am / are

A polite copula used to make a statement. In ですよ, it combines with よ for emphasis.

Example

キリンは定番です。

Kirin is a standard choice.

yo

[yoh]

you know / I'm telling you

A sentence-ending particle that adds emphasis or gives new information confidently.

Example

サントリーも人気ですよ。

Suntory is popular too, you know.

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