いいです
ii desu
The English phrase "it's good" can be translated into Japanese as いいです (ii desu).
いいです is used to express that something is satisfactory. Depending on the context and your intonation, it can also be used to politely decline an offer, meaning "I'm fine" or "no thank you".
Which one should you use?
While いいです can be used to decline an offer, the more formal and definitive way to say "no thank you" or "that is sufficient" is 結構です.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the word ええ is used to convey the meaning of "good" instead of the standard yoi or ii.
How do you pronounce it?
ii desu
Did you know?
- While いい means 'good', calling someone an いい人 can be a backhanded compliment implying they are boring or too passive.
- When using いいです to decline an offer, your body language is as important as your words. A slight wave of the hand in front of your chest or a small tilt of the head often accompanies the phrase to ensure you do not seem abrupt.
- The word いい is a contraction of the older word よい, which is still used in formal writing and certain set expressions. While いい is the standard for daily speech, you will still see よい in literature and formal documents.
Examples in context
- この映画、とても面白くて良かったThis movie was very interesting and good.
- それでいいです。Sore de ii desu.That is fine.
- あ、もういいです。A, mou ii desu.Oh, I'm fine now (no thank you).
- このデザインでいいです。Kono dezain de ii desu.This design is good.
Example conversation
Hina and Ren are at a cafe and Ren offers her more water.
- 蓮 Renお水のおかわりはいかがですか？Omizu no okawari wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like some more water?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、もういいです。Iie, mou ii desu.No, I'm fine now.
- 蓮 Renわかりました。Wakarimashita.I understand.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
