いいよ

いいよ
expression
sure, it's okay, that's fine
informalspokencommunication
1. sure, go ahead, that's fine
Used to grant permission or express approval of someone's request or suggestion.
「借(か)りてもいい？」「いいよ。」
"Can I borrow this?" "Sure."
「明日(あした)でもいい？」「いいよ、明日(あした)にしよう。」
"Is tomorrow okay?" "Sure, let's make it tomorrow."
「ここに座(すわ)ってもいいですか。」「いいよ、どうぞ。」
"May I sit here?" "Go ahead, please."
2. it's okay, don't worry about it
Used to reassure someone that something is not a problem, or to decline an offer politely.
「ごめんね。」「いいよ、気(き)にしないで。」
"Sorry about that." "It's fine, don't worry about it."
「手伝(てつだ)おうか？」「いいよ、一人(ひとり)でできる。」
"Want me to help?" "It's okay, I can do it myself."
「お金(かね)、返(かえ)すよ。」「いいよいいよ、気(き)にしなくて。」
"I'll pay you back." "No no, don't worry about it."
Repetition いいよいいよ adds emphasis

Usage

いいよ is one of the most common casual responses in Japanese. Context and tone determine whether it means "yes, go ahead" (permission) or "no, it's fine" (declining/reassuring).

When declining an offer, いいよ can be ambiguous — it might sound like acceptance. To make refusal clearer, speakers often add 大丈夫(だいじょうぶ) or a hand gesture.

Keigo

general
Added 2026.2.10 9:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10770_iiyo