“Yo” is added to the end of a sentence as a gentle reminder or for emphasis. For instance “kochira desu yo” (it’s this way), or to speak frankly as in “iya desu yo” (I don’t like it), or to make a request, as in “hayaku nete kudasai yo” (hurry up and get to bed). In addition, it is used when you’re trying to get something from someone such as “are katte yo” (buy that for me), when you’re being offhand with someone “sonnna koto shiranai yo” (I don’t know anything about it), or when you’re blaming someone else, as in “konnna koto shita no wa dare yo” (who would do such a thing). Sometimes it’s used in feminine expressions, for instance “suki yo” (I like you) or “watashimo yo” (me too). Men using these phrases are perceived as sounding feminine. Men generally say “suki dayo” or “watashimo dayo.” If you say something like “ikimasu yo” to your superiors or people who are not so close to you, it gives a bad impression. Furthermore, if you respond with downward intonation to a request with “watashi ga yarimasu yo” (I’ll do it), it will be taken to mean that you are not happy with the situation. If you’re conveying information that is to the benefit of the person you’re talking to, you would add the suffix “yo” as in “mou shigoto owatte ii desu yo” (you may finish work) or “kore oishii desu yo” (this is delicious). This implies that you are being considerate of the other person’s feelings. If you finish the sentence without a “yo” for instance, “owatte ii desu” or “kore oiishii desu,” this gives the impression that you’re forcing your opinions on others. If you change the intonation or tone of the “yo,” you also change how your message comes across. For instance, finishing with a raised intonation gives the impression that you’re emphasizing something or making an assertion, whereas finishing with a downward intonation gives the impression that you’re unsatisfied or being negative. When spoken softly, it will transmit a feeling of warmth or kindness.