Japanese grammar
What does ～でいいです mean? Japanese grammar N2
～でいいです means it's fine to go with that; that will do.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N／na-adj + でいい |
| Romaji | deiidesu |
| Meaning | it's fine to go with that; that will do |
Forming it
| Connection | N／na-adj + でいい |
|---|
How to use it
Accepts an option at the level of "that'll do." Emphasizes being easygoing or a compromise.
- 「Nでいい」 = N is fine (no need for more). Emphasizes ACCEPTANCE, sometimes a compromise.
- Different from 「Nがいい」 (choosing N because you like it most): 「でいい」 implies "no need to be fussy".
- In situations requiring politeness, avoid 「でいい」 when the listener is offering something — it can easily sound reluctant.
Examples
飲み物は水でいいです。
Water is fine for the drink.
集合時間は九時でいいですか。
Is nine o’clock all right for the meeting time?
Keep in mind
- 「でいい」 = a compromise; 「がいい」 = chosen because it's liked.
- Be careful with the nuance when responding to an invitation.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong飲み物は水にいいです。
Correct飲み物は水でいいです。
An accepted choice uses Nでいい.
Exam tips
- 「でいい」 = that'll do (a compromise); 「がいい」 = chosen because it's the favorite.