How to Say ‘Sure.’ in Japanese
いいですよ。
ii desu yo
[ee dess yoh]
💬 Usage Tip: [いいですよ] = “Sure/That’s fine.” Depending on tone it can also mean “No, thanks” when refusing (polite but firm), so context matters.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Because indirect refusals are common, pairing a refusal with a reason is typical: [今日はちょっと…] (“today is a bit…”) to soften it.
Phrase Breakdown
いい
ii
[ee]
good; okay (permission)
いい can mean “sure/that’s fine” when responding to a request. Warm, casual-friendly approval.
写真撮ってもいいですか。—いいですよ。
Is it okay if I take a photo? — Sure.
です
desu
[dess]
is; are (polite)
Makes the response polite: いいですよ = “It’s okay / Sure.”
ここに座ってもいいですか。—いいですよ。
May I sit here? — Sure.
よ
yo
[yoh]
(sentence-ending) you know; (friendly emphasis)
Adds a friendly, reassuring tone. いいですよ feels like “Sure, no problem.”
それでいいですよ。気にしないで。
That’s fine. Don’t worry about 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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“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