Translation guide
The English word 'OK' is used to express agreement, acceptance, or that something is satisfactory. In Japanese, there are several ways to convey this, depending on the context and level of formality.
Expressing that you agree to a suggestion, request, or plan.
Casual and very common way to say 'OK' or 'Sure'. Used among friends, family, or in informal situations.
「映画に行かない？」「いいよ。」
"Want to go to a movie?" "OK."
Polite way to say 'Understood' or 'OK'. Used when accepting instructions or acknowledging information.
「明日10時に来てください。」「わかりました。」
"Please come at 10 tomorrow." "OK."
Loanword from English, used casually. Often written in katakana. Can sound a bit informal or trendy.
「これでいい？」「オーケー！」
"Is this OK?" "OK!"
Very formal, often used in business settings to acknowledge a request or order. Equivalent to 'Certainly' or 'Understood'.
「この書類をコピーしてください。」「承知しました。」
"Please copy these documents." "OK."
Saying that something is fine, alright, or in an acceptable state.
Means 'OK', 'alright', 'safe', or 'no problem'. Very versatile. Can be used to ask or state if something is acceptable.
「この服、大丈夫？」「うん、大丈夫だよ。」
"Is this outfit OK?" "Yeah, it's fine."
Polite way to say 'That's fine' or 'No thank you'. Can mean 'OK' in the sense of 'I'm satisfied' or to decline an offer politely.
Can also mean 'no thank you' depending on context. Tone and situation matter.
「お茶はいかがですか？」「結構です。」
"Would you like some tea?" "I'm OK, thank you."
Literally 'no problem'. Used to say something is OK or there's no issue.
「遅れても大丈夫？」「問題ないよ。」
"Is it OK if I'm late?" "No problem."
Asking or granting permission to do something.
Casual way to ask 'Is it OK if I...?' or 'May I...?'. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
「ここに座ってもいい？」「いいよ。」
"Is it OK if I sit here?" "Sure."
Polite version of the above. Use in formal situations or with strangers.
「写真を撮ってもいいですか？」「はい、どうぞ。」
"Is it OK to take a photo?" "Yes, go ahead."
Casually asking 'Is it OK?' or 'Are you OK with this?'.
「明日でも大丈夫？」「うん、大丈夫。」
"Is tomorrow OK?" "Yeah, that's fine."
Showing that you have heard and understood what was said.
Expresses that you understand or see the point. Similar to 'I see' or 'OK, got it'.
「このボタンを押すと動くんだ。」「なるほど。」
"It works when you press this button." "OK, I see."
Means 'Roger' or 'Understood'. Often used in military, team, or casual contexts. Can be used as '了解です' for politeness.
In formal written Japanese, using オーケー is often too casual. Instead, use phrases like 問題ありません (no problem) or 承知しました (understood).
いいよ is used for giving permission or agreeing to a suggestion. 大丈夫 is more about confirming that something is safe, acceptable, or not a problem. For example, when someone asks if you are hurt, you say 大丈夫, not いいよ.
これで大丈夫ですか？
Is this OK?
「集合は5時だ。」「了解！」
"We meet at 5." "OK, got it!"