22 Japanese ways to say “Of course”

Ever found yourself wanting to say “Of course” in Japanese but unsure which phrase fits best?

There are many ways to express agreement or certainty in Japanese, each with its own nuance and vibe.

Whether you’re chatting casually with friends or speaking formally, this list has you covered.

Let’s dive into 22 warm and lively Japanese expressions for “Of course” that you can quickly add to your language toolkit.

Understanding these will help you sound natural and confident in any conversation.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Why Knowing Different Ways to Say “Of Course” Matters

Japanese is a language rich in subtlety and context.

Choosing the right way to say “Of course” can show respect, friendliness, or a casual vibe depending on the situation.

It’s not just about words; it’s about connection.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It helps you respond naturally and confidently.

Plus, you’ll sound just like a native speaker!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. もちろん (Mochiron) – “Of course”

This is the classic, go-to way to say “Of course” in Japanese.

“Mochiron” (も ち ろ ん) literally means “naturally” or “certainly.” It’s casual but polite enough for most everyday conversations.

It’s easy to remember because you’ll hear it all the time in anime, dramas, and real life.

Simply say it when you want to agree firmly but kindly.

For example, when a friend asks if you want to hang out, you can reply, “Mochiron!”

It’s a versatile phrase that’s great to master early on.

2. いいよ (Ii yo) – “Sure” / “Of course”

“Ii yo” (い い よ) is a laid-back way to say “Sure” or “Of course.”

It’s perfect for close friends or informal situations and literally means “It’s good.”

Use it when you want to sound friendly and easygoing.

Watch out not to use this in formal settings as it can sound too casual.

Example: “Can I borrow your pen?” – “Ii yo!”

It’s a quick, natural response that keeps conversations smooth.

3. 当たり前だよ (Atarimae da yo) – “Obviously” / “Of course”

This phrase means “It’s obvious” or “Of course.”

“Atarimae” (あ た り ま え) means “natural” or “expected,” and adding “da yo” gives it a casual, friendly tone.

It’s great when you want to emphasize that something’s a no-brainer.

Use it with close friends or when you want to be a bit playful.

Example: “Will you come to the party?” – “Atarimae da yo!”

This phrase shows confidence and warmth in your answer.

4. 当然 (Touzen) – “Naturally” / “Of course”

“Touzen” (とうぜん) means “naturally” or “as a matter of course.”

It’s slightly more formal than “Mochiron” but still used in casual speech.

It’s a good word to know when you want to sound assured without being too stiff.

Be careful not to overuse it as it can sound a bit strong or blunt.

Example: “You’ll help me, right?” – “Touzen!”

It’s like saying, “That goes without saying!”

5. はい、もちろん (Hai, mochiron) – “Yes, of course”

This is a polite way to say “Of course” that starts with a clear “yes.”

“Hai” (はい) means “yes,” and adding “mochiron” makes your agreement stronger and warm.

It’s perfect for polite conversations with colleagues or acquaintances.

Try to pronounce it clearly for good manners.

Example: “Can you attend the meeting?” – “Hai, mochiron.”

This combo balances politeness and friendliness.

6. そうだよね (Sou da yo ne) – “That’s right, of course”

“Sou da yo ne” (そ う だ よ ね) translates roughly to “That’s right, isn’t it?”

It’s a casual way to agree warmly and confirm what was said.

It adds a little empathy and friendliness to your “Of course.”

Use it when you want to connect emotionally and agree simultaneously.

Example: “It’s cold today.” – “Sou da yo ne!”

This phrase is great for smooth, casual chats.

7. いいよね (Ii yo ne) – “It’s good, of course”

“Ii yo ne” (い い よ ね) is a friendly, casual phrase meaning “It’s good, isn’t it?”

It’s a subtle way to say “Of course” while sharing positive feelings.

Use it to agree with excitement or approval.

It works well in informal settings and with friends.

Example: “This restaurant is great!” – “Ii yo ne!”

It helps build camaraderie and warmth.

8. 当然だよ (Touzen da yo) – “Of course it is”

Adding “da yo” to “Touzen” (当然だよ) softens the phrase and makes it casual.

This is useful to affirm something is absolutely true in a friendly way.

It’s a good balance between strong confidence and casual tone.

Example: “You’ll help me, right?” – “Touzen da yo!”

This phrase is natural among friends and colleagues.

Try it when you want to sound sure but approachable.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. もちろんです (Mochiron desu) – “Of course” (polite)

Adding “desu” (です) to “mochiron” makes your agreement polite and respectful.

Use this in business or formal situations to show proper manners.

It keeps the warmth but adds professionalism.

Example: “Will you participate in the meeting?” – “Mochiron desu.”

Perfect for emails, formal chats, and interviews.

It’s a great phrase to sound both confident and courteous.

10. 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita) – “Certainly” / “Understood”

“Shouchi shimashita” (しょうちしました) means “I have understood” or “Certainly.”

It’s very polite and often used in customer service or business.

It implies you accept or agree with something fully.

Example: “Please send the report by tomorrow.” – “Shouchi shimashita.”

Use it when you want to sound professional and reliable.

It’s a respectful way to say “Of course” in formal contexts.

11. かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita) – “Certainly” / “Certainly understood”

This phrase is very polite and humble.

“Kashikomarimashita” (かしこまりました) is often used by service staff or in formal business to mean “Certainly” or “Understood.”

It conveys the highest level of respect in agreement.

Example: “Please handle this matter.” – “Kashikomarimashita.”

Perfect for customer interactions or formal emails.

It shows professionalism and attentiveness.

12. もちろんでございます (Mochiron de gozaimasu) – “Of course” (very polite)

This is a super polite version of “mochiron.”

“De gozaimasu” (でございます) is a very formal copula often used in business or customer service.

Use this to sound extremely courteous and formal.

Example: “Will you attend the conference?” – “Mochiron de gozaimasu.”

It’s best reserved for very respectful or official situations.

It makes your “Of course” sound elegant and refined.

13. 畏まりました (Kashikomarimashita) – “Certainly” (formal)

This is a formal and humble way to say “Certainly.”

It’s similar to “kashikomarimashita” but written in kanji.

Great for professional emails and serious conversations.

Example: “Please process the request.” – “Kashikomarimashita.”

Use it to show you’ve acknowledged something respectfully.

It adds formality and class to your agreement.

14. もちろんですよ (Mochiron desu yo) – “Of course!” (polite with emphasis)

This phrase is polite with a friendly emphasis thanks to “yo” (よ).

It’s a great way to say “Of course!” warmly in business settings.

Example: “Can you help me today?” – “Mochiron desu yo!”

The “yo” adds a friendly, engaging tone.

It’s perfect for building rapport while staying professional.

Try it when you want to sound both polite and approachable.

15. 当然でございます (Touzen de gozaimasu) – “Naturally” (very polite)

This is the very polite version of “touzen.”

“De gozaimasu” raises the politeness level significantly.

Use this in high-level business or formal customer service.

Example: “Will you attend the event?” – “Touzen de gozaimasu.”

It sounds very respectful and serious.

Perfect for official announcements or formal promises.

16. かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita) – “Certainly” (formal and humble)

This phrase expresses humble acceptance and agreement.

It’s often used by employees or service providers to show respect.

Example: “Please take care of this.” – “Kashikomarimashita.”

It’s a polite and sincere way to say “Of course.”

Use it when you want to sound very respectful.

It’s a must-know for formal Japanese communication.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 当然っしょ (Touzen ssho) – “Of course” (very casual)

“Touzen ssho” is a slangy, very casual way to say “Of course.”

The “ssho” ending softens “touzen” to sound like a friend’s casual talk.

It’s popular among young people and friends.

Example: “You’re coming, right?” – “Touzen ssho!”

Use it only with close friends to avoid sounding rude.

It adds a fun, native-like vibe to your Japanese.

18. もちろんさ (Mochiron sa) – “Of course” (casual with assertiveness)

Adding “sa” (さ) to “mochiron” gives a casual, slightly assertive tone.

It sounds cool and natural among close friends.

Example: “Will you help me?” – “Mochiron sa!”

Be cautious using it with strangers or formal people.

It’s a great phrase to boost your native-like casual speech.

Perfect for informal chats and text messages.

19. ぜったいだよ (Zettai da yo) – “Definitely” / “Of course”

“Zettai da yo” (ぜったいだよ) means “Absolutely” or “Definitely.”

It’s a strong, casual way to say “Of course.”

Use it to show enthusiasm and certainty.

Example: “Will you be there?” – “Zettai da yo!”

This phrase adds energy and confidence to your response.

Great for casual conversations with friends.

20. 当然っすよ (Touzen ssu yo) – “Of course” (very casual, masculine)

“Touzen ssu yo” is a very casual, masculine way to say “Of course.”

“Ssu” is a contraction of “desu” used in informal male speech.

Example: “You’re coming, right?” – “Touzen ssu yo!”

It’s best among male friends or casual groups.

Avoid in formal or mixed company.

It’s a native-like phrase for relaxed conversations.

21. いいってば (Ii tte ba) – “I said it’s okay / Of course”

“Ii tte ba” (い い っ て ば) is a casual, slightly playful way to say “It’s fine” or “Of course.”

It literally means “I said it’s okay,” emphasizing the speaker’s assurance.

Use it to insist warmly when someone hesitates.

Example: “Are you sure?” – “Ii tte ba!”

This phrase carries friendliness and light charm.

Great for informal chats with friends or family.

22. だよね (Da yo ne) – “Right? Of course”

“Da yo ne” (だ よ ね) is a very casual phrase meaning “Right?” or “Of course.”

It’s often used to confirm something both parties agree on.

It’s perfect for natural, everyday conversations.

Example: “It’s a nice day, huh?” – “Da yo ne!”

Simple and easy to remember.

Use it to sound like a native speaker in casual talk.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “Of course” in Japanese opens a window into the language’s rich nuances.

From casual chats with friends to formal business meetings, choosing the right phrase helps you connect authentically and confidently.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be responding naturally in any situation—mochiron!