# よ: you know; emphasis > Learn how to use よ, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning you know; emphasis, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-yo/ **よ** means **you know; emphasis**. It is a **JLPT N5** Japanese grammar pattern used to give information, emphasize a point, or alert the listener. This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to give information, emphasize a point, or alert the listener, **よ** is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences. ## What does よ mean? Use **よ** when you want to give information, emphasize a point, or alert the listener. Natural translations include: - you know - emphasis The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form よ

Sentence + よ

Examples of the pattern:

おいしいです + よ

行きます + よ

だめです + よ

Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is よ used? Use **よ** in situations like: - giving new information - warning someone - adding friendly emphasis Tone and register: - conversational; can sound strong depending on tone - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions ## よ example sentences

この店みせはおいしいですよ。

This shop is good, you know.

informative

電車でんしゃが来きますよ。

The train is coming, you know.

alert

それはだめですよ。

That is not okay, you know.

warning

明日あしたは休やすみですよ。

Tomorrow is a day off, you know.

reminder

この漢字かんじは大切たいせつですよ。

This kanji is important, you know.

emphasis

Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or emphasis. ## Nuance of よ The key nuance is **pushes information toward the listener as something they should notice**. This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For **よ**, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context. For example: - In conversation, it pushes information toward the listener as something they should notice. - Compared with **ね**, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close. ## よ vs ね Both **よ** and **ね** can express related ideas, but they are different.

よ

gives information or emphasis

often tells the listener something

ね

seeks agreement or shared feeling

softens by inviting confirmation

Quick contrast examples:

この店みせはおいしいですよ。

This shop is good, you know.

この店みせはおいしいですね。

This shop is good, isn’t it?

If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or add emphasis. ## Common mistakes with よ

❌

Using よ too strongly with superiors

✅

Soften your tone or drop よ when speaking formally to superiors

❌

Confusing it with ね when you want agreement

✅

Use ね when you want confirmation or shared feeling

❌

Adding it to every sentence and sounding pushy

✅

Use よ only when you need to inform or emphasize

A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is よ on the JLPT?

Yes. よ is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

recognize it in reading
understand its nuance in context
use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for よ

1 Tell someone the train is coming. alert

2 Emphasize that this kanji is important. emphasis

3 Say that tomorrow is a day off, you know. reminder

Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for よ

Write one short sentence with よ and say it aloud.

Compare it with ね to feel the difference between informing and confirming.

Swap in も or か to see how the sentence meaning changes.

Practice with JLPT-style minimal-pair questions that test よ against other sentence endings.

## Related grammar to review next - [も](/blog/n5-mo-particle/) — contrasts with this pattern from the listing, choice, and inclusion grammar group. - [か](/blog/n5-ka-question-particle/) — contrasts with this pattern from the question, explanation, and confirmation grammar group. - [ね](/blog/n5-ne/) — contrasts with this pattern from the question, explanation, and confirmation grammar group. - [なあ](/blog/n5-naa/) — keeps the focus on beginner particle choice and sentence endings. ## Learn よ with Hane If you want to review **よ** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)