Japanese Emphatic Agreement: Expressing Strong Agreement with Mochiron, Mattaku, and More
Learn Japanese phrases for emphatic agreement, such as 'Mochiron!' and 'Mattaku sono tōri desu,' to express strong agreement beyond basic hai.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Japanese conversation, basic agreement is often expressed with 'hai' or 'sō desu ne.' However, when you want to show strong, enthusiastic agreement, you need more emphatic phrases. This lesson teaches you expressions like 'Mochiron!' (Of course!), 'Mattaku sono tōri desu' (That's absolutely right), and 'Dōi shimasu' (I agree). You'll learn how to use these phrases naturally in discussions, and understand the nuances of politeness and context. By the end, you'll be able to agree emphatically in various situations, from casual chats to formal meetings.
By the end, you can…
- express strong agreement using phrases like 'Mochiron!' and 'Mattaku sono tōri desu.'
- distinguish between casual and polite emphatic agreement phrases.
- use emphatic agreement appropriately in a conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
もちろんです！
Of course! / Absolutely!
Mochiron desu!
Polite and enthusiastic agreement. Often used in response to a request or suggestion. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but with desu it's polite.
まったくその通りです。
That's absolutely right. / I couldn't agree more.
Mattaku sono tōri desu.
Strong agreement with someone's statement. 'Mattaku' emphasizes 'completely,' and 'sono tōri' means 'that way.' Polite form; casual version drops desu.
同感です。
I feel the same way. / I agree.
Dōkan desu.
Expresses agreement with someone's opinion or feeling. Polite and somewhat formal. Used when you share the same sentiment. Note: the kanji 同感 is read 'dōkan', not 'dōi'.
その通り！
Exactly! / That's right!
Sono tōri!
Casual emphatic agreement. Used among friends or close colleagues. Intonation is important: rising then falling to show enthusiasm.
おっしゃる通りです。
You're absolutely right. (respectful)
Ossharu tōri desu.
Respectful form using honorific 'ossharu' for 'say.' Used when agreeing with a superior or in formal settings. Shows respect and strong agreement.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To emphasize agreement, you can combine words like 'mattaku' (completely), 'hontō ni' (really), or 'kanzen ni' (perfectly) with 'sono tōri' (that's right). For example, 'Mattaku sono tōri desu' means 'That's absolutely right.' You can also use 'mochiron' (of course) as a standalone emphatic agreement. In casual speech, you might say 'Mochiron!' or 'Sono tōri!' with strong intonation. For polite situations, add 'desu' or use 'dōi shimasu' (I agree). Note that 'dōi shimasu' is a different word from 'dōkan desu': 'dōi' (同意) means 'agreement/consent,' while 'dōkan' (同感) means 'sharing the same feeling.'
When to use it
Use emphatic agreement when you want to show strong support or enthusiasm for someone's idea or statement. For example, if a colleague suggests a good plan, you can say 'Mochiron desu!' to show you're fully on board. In a formal meeting, 'Ossharu tōri desu' is appropriate when agreeing with a boss. Avoid using casual forms like 'Sono tōri!' with superiors unless you have a close relationship. Also, 'Dōkan desu' is good for sharing feelings, like when someone says they're tired and you agree.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
明日の会議、資料を準備しておいたほうがいいですか？
Should I prepare the materials for tomorrow's meeting?Ashita no kaigi, shiryō o junbi shite oita hō ga ii desu ka?もちろんです！ぜひお願いします。
Of course! Please do.Mochiron desu! Zehi onegai shimasu.この計画は少しリスクがあると思います。
I think this plan has some risks.Kono keikaku wa sukoshi risuku ga aru to omoimasu.まったくその通りです。慎重に進めましょう。
That's absolutely right. Let's proceed carefully.Mattaku sono tōri desu. Shinchō ni susumemashō.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese, emphatic agreement often involves acknowledging the other person's point before adding your own. Phrases like 'Ossharu tōri desu' show respect, especially to superiors. However, overusing strong agreement can seem insincere; it's important to match the level of enthusiasm to the context. In casual settings, friends might use 'Sono tōri!' with a nod, while in business, a polite 'Dōi shimasu' is safer.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Mochiron' in a formal business meeting without adding 'desu' or using a more polite form.
Try this instead: In formal contexts, say 'Mochiron desu' or 'Mochiron de gozaimasu' to maintain politeness. For example, 'Mochiron desu. Zehi yarimashō.' (Of course. Let's do it by all means.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you emphatically agree with a friend who says 'This movie is great!'?
Show a sample answer
Sono tōri! / Mochiron!
Casual emphatic agreement is appropriate with friends. 'Sono tōri!' means 'Exactly!' and 'Mochiron!' means 'Of course!' Both are natural. You could also say 'Hontō ni sono tōri!' for extra emphasis.
2What is a polite way to say 'I couldn't agree more' to your boss?
Show a sample answer
Ossharu tōri desu. / Mattaku sono tōri desu.
Both are polite and respectful. 'Ossharu tōri desu' uses honorific language, suitable for superiors. 'Mattaku sono tōri desu' is also polite but slightly less formal. Choose based on your relationship.
3Translate: 'I feel the same way.' into Japanese.
Show a sample answer
Dōkan desu.
'Dōkan desu' means 'I feel the same way' and is a polite way to agree with someone's feeling. In casual speech, you might say 'Dōkan' without desu, but with desu it's safe in most situations. Remember that 'dōkan' (同感) is different from 'dōi' (同意, agreement/consent).
Use emphatic agreement phrases like 'Mochiron desu!' and 'Mattaku sono tōri desu' to show strong agreement. Match the politeness level to the situation: casual with friends, polite with acquaintances, and respectful with superiors.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Japanese into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr