よ

よ
particle
sentence-ending particle (emphasis, assertion)
grammatical
1. assertion, emphasis
Used to assert information that the speaker believes the listener doesn't know or to emphasize a point.
雨(あめ)が降(ふ)っているよ。
It's raining, you know.
もう時間(じかん)だよ。
It's time already!
これ、おいしいよ。
This is delicious, you know.
2. giving advice or commands
Adds emphasis to suggestions, advice, or gentle commands.
早(はや)く起(お)きなさいよ。
Wake up early!
気(き)をつけてよ。
Be careful, will you?

よ is used to assert or emphasize information.

Functions

1. Assertion: 知(し)ってるよ (I know [assertive])
2. New information: 電車(でんしゃ)が来(き)たよ (The train has come!)
3. Emphasis: 本当(ほんとう)だよ (It's true!)
4. Advice/urging: 食(た)べなよ (Go ahead and eat)

Contrast: よ vs ね

  • よ: asserts information the listener may not know
  • ね: seeks agreement, confirms shared knowledge

Combination: よね

  • Combines assertion with seeking agreement: そうだよね (That's right, you know?)

Related Words

Compare: ね
Related: ぜ (masculine emphasis particle)
Related: よね (compound よ+ね: soft confirmation)
Related: ぞ (strong masculine emphasis particle)
basic
Added 2026.2.2 14:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09475_yo