Japanese word

よし

Pronunciation

Romajiyoshi

Meaning

  • interjectionokay

Example

よし、始めましょう。yo shi haji me ma shō

Okay, let's start.

Illustration for よし (okay)

More examples

準備ができたので、よし、出かけます。jun bi ga de ki ta no de yo shi de ka ke ma su

Everything is ready, so okay, let's head out.

Core concept

Expresses acceptance that something is good enough or signals readiness to move forward.

Common phrases

  • よし、準備完了yo shi jun bi kan ryō

    Okay, all set

Similar words

オーケーōkē: Expresses agreement, acceptance, or permission in a direct and widely understood way.
さあsā: Signals that an action is about to begin or urges movement toward it.
はいhai: Shows agreement, acceptance, or a response to a call or question.

Definition in Japanese

物事がうまくいっていると認めたり、行動を始める決意を示したりする語。mono goto ga u ma ku i tte i ru to mito me ta ri kō dō o haji me ru ketsu i o shime shi ta ri su ru go

Word origin

The interjection よし (yoshi) comes from the adjective よし (yoshi, "good"), whose modern form is よい (yoi).

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, よし (yoshi) often marks a decision or a fresh start, so "Okay, let's start" can sound more natural than a simple statement that something is acceptable.

Other meanings

  • looking goodinterjection

Opposites

Word lists with this word