だよね
da yo ne
In Japanese, "I know, right?" is expressed as だよね (da yo ne).
だよね is an informal expression used to express strong agreement or to validate a sentiment that another person has just expressed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the copula だ (is), the particle よ (emphasis) and the particle ね (seeking agreement), which translates literally to "it is, isn't it?"
Which one should you use?
While だよね is used for casual agreement, you can use ですよね to make the expression suitable for polite conversation with strangers or acquaintances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is used in casual speech and is typically dropped by speakers when addressing superiors or in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
da yo ne
Did you know?
- Depending on the pitch and length of the ね, だよね can shift from a statement of agreement to a skeptical question. A long, rising ねー can imply that the speaker is actually doubting the other person.
- In certain regions like Osaka, you might hear the equivalent sentiment expressed as やんな, which replaces the standard Tokyo-based だよね.
- If you want to sound more masculine or rough when agreeing, you can replace だよね with だよな, which changes the gentle seeking of agreement into a more assertive confirmation.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new cafe during a walk.
- 美咲 Misakiあのカフェ、コーヒーが美味しいよね。Ano kafe, koohii ga oishii yo ne.The coffee at that cafe is delicious, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renだよね！また行こうよ。Da yo ne! Mata ikou yo.I know, right! Let's go again.
- 美咲 Misaki店員さんも親切だったよね。Ten'in-san mo shinsetsu datta yo ne.The staff was kind too, wasn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当にそうだよね。Hontou ni sou da yo ne.That is so true.
