# Japanese word: Yoshi

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-word-yoshi/534287>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 30, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-word-yoshi/534287 "2010-03-30T01:35:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 2

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**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\
**Post date:** [March 30, 2010, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-word-yoshi/534287/2 "2010-03-30T01:53:03Z")

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> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> So I let out a contented sigh and say, ‘Yosh(i)!’ ISTR that ‘yoshi’ means ‘OK’ or ‘Very well’ or ‘good’. But I stopped speaking Japanese when I was little, and now I’m not so sure. I do remember seeing a Japanese character (Yamamoto?) in _Tora! Tora! Tora!_ saying it as he looked over a map during a briefing.

It means something like “alright!”.

Yeah, you are correct to put the “i” in brackets, as it’s often not pronounced.

To give some context, here are times when I’ve heard it used:

1. By the driver when we finally arrived and pulled up at our destination after a long drive.

2. When we were finally breaking camp and setting out for the days hike.

3. When lifting something heavy together as a group.

4. At the end of an informal meeting when we’ve decided on the day’s gameplay.

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