Grammar · Particles

ね and よ, the ends of sentences

The pattern

[Sentence] ね / よ

[Sentence] ne / yo

ね invites agreement, close to 'isn't it'. よ adds information the listener does not have, close to a light 'you know'.

The mistake to avoid

よ used too firmly can sound pushy. When in doubt, leave both off; a bare sentence is never rude.

Examples

Rōmaji help

いい天気ですね。

いいてんきですね。

ii tenki desu ne.

Nice weather, isn't it.

これは私のですよ。

これはわたしのですよ。

kore wa watashi no desu yo.

This one is mine, you know.

この料理はおいしいですね。

このりょうりはおいしいですね。

kono ryōri wa oishii desu ne.

This food is good, isn't it?

明日は休みですよ。

あしたはやすみですよ。

ashita wa yasumi desu yo.

Tomorrow is a day off, you know.