👂✔️➡️👍

How to Say ‘If you listen to me properly, yes.’ in Japanese

ちゃんと言うことを聞いたら、いいよ。

chanto iu koto o kii tara ii yo

[chan-toh ee-oo koh-toh oh kee-ee tara ee yo]

Phrase Breakdown

ちゃんと

chanto

[chan-toh]

properly; correctly; sufficiently

An adverb meaning to do something properly, carefully, or enough. Very common in family conversations about health and habits.

Example

毎日ちゃんと寝ています。

I sleep properly every day.

言うことを聞いたら、

iu koto o kii tara

if (you) behave / obey

This is the condition: 言うことを聞く (obey) + たら (if). Pause slightly at the comma.

Example

言うことを聞いたら、遊べるよ。

If you behave, you can play.

Words in this phrase

言う

[ee-oo]

to say; to tell

Basic dictionary form. In neighbor contexts, it can mean “to tell (someone)” as in 言ってください (please tell me).

Example

気になることがあったら言うね。

If something bothers me, I’ll tell you.

こと

koto

[koh-toh]

thing; matter; (nominalizer)

Turns verbs/clauses into a “thing/matter.” In relationship talk: 「話したいこと」 = “something I want to talk about.”

Example

話したいことがある。

There’s something I want to talk about.

を

[oh]

object marker

The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

チケットを二枚ください。

Two tickets, please.

聞い

kii

[kee-ee]

listen; hear

From 聞く, meaning to listen to someone or hear something.

Example

少し聞いてほしい。

I want you to listen for a bit.

たら

tara

[tara]

if; when

Conditional ending used to express hope: if it happens, that would be nice.

Example

また相談できたらうれしいです。

I would be happy if I could consult with you again.

いいよ。

ii yo

okay / you may

Gives permission: 'that's fine'. Lengthen the first vowel: ii-yo.

Example

使ってもいいよ。

You can use it.

Words in this phrase

いい

[ee]

good / okay

Means something is good, fine, acceptable, or suitable.

Example

ここでいいです。

Here is fine.

よ

[yo]

you know; assurance

Sentence-ending particle adding emphasis, assurance, or new information for the listener.

Example

ありますよと店員さんが言いました。

The staff said, 'Yes, we have it.'

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager