How to Say ‘Am/is/are, you know; polite emphasis’ in Japanese
ですよ
desu yo
[dess yoh]
💬 Usage Tip: [よ] adds a gentle "just so you know" feeling. In [元気ですよ], it sounds a little warmer and more reassuring than plain [元気です].
Phrase Breakdown
です
desu
[dess]
is / am / are
A polite copula used in statements.
元気ですよ。
I am well, you know.
よ
yo
[yoh]
you know / emphasis
Sentence-ending particle that adds gentle emphasis or gives information to the listener.
大丈夫ですよ。
It's okay, you know.
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