Sentence Ending Particles (2)

In Japanese, there are many particles that are added to the ends of sentences. They express the speaker’s emotions, doubt, emphasis, caution, hesitation, wonder, admiration, and so on. Some sentence ending particles distinguish male or female speech. Many of them don’t translate easily.

No

(1) Indicates an explanation or emotive emphasis. Used only by women or children in an informal situation.

Kore jibunde tsukutta no.

I made this myself.

(2) Makes a sentence into a question (with a rising intonation). Informal version of “~ no desu ka

Ashita konai no?

Aren’t you coming tomorrow?

Sa

Emphasizes the sentence. Used mainly by men.

Sonna koto wa wakatteiru sa.

I certainly know of such a thing.

Wa

Used only by women. It can have both an emphatic function and a softening effect.

Watashi ga suru wa.

I’ll do it.

Yo

(1) Emphasizes a command.

Benkyou shinasai yo!

Study!

(2) Indicates moderate emphasis, especially useful when the speaker provides a new piece of information.

Ano eiga wa sugoku yokatta yo.

That movie was very good

Ze 

Elicits an agreement. Used only by men in casual conversation among colleagues, or with those whose social status is below that of the speaker.

Nomi ni ikou ze.

Let’s go for a drink!

Zo

Emphasizes one’s opinion or judgment. Used mainly by men.

Iku zo.

I’m going!