That's fine
Acceptance
Use it to politely agree to suggestions or say 'no problem' in everyday situations.
15秒でわかる
- A neutral way to agree or show acceptance.
- Perfect for confirming plans or accepting small changes.
- Be careful with your tone to avoid sounding annoyed.
意味
You use this when you want to say 'okay' or 'no problem' to a choice or situation. It shows you are happy or satisfied with what is happening.
主な例文
3 / 6Changing a meeting time
Can we meet at 3 PM instead? Yes, that's fine.
Can we meet at 3 PM instead? Yes, that's fine.
At a restaurant
We are out of lemons, is lime okay? That's fine, thank you.
We are out of lemons, is lime okay? That's fine, thank you.
Texting a friend
I'll be five minutes late! That's fine, see you soon.
I'll be five minutes late! That's fine, see you soon.
文化的背景
This phrase is a staple of 'polite' English culture, where appearing easy-going is highly valued. In British English, it is often used as a 'polite understatement' to avoid making a scene. It became a standard part of daily English during the 20th century as social interactions became less formal.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a sigh, people will think you are actually angry. Keep it light!
The 'Fine' Trap
In many English-speaking households, if a partner says 'I'm fine' or 'It's fine' with no smile, it usually means something is very wrong!
15秒でわかる
- A neutral way to agree or show acceptance.
- Perfect for confirming plans or accepting small changes.
- Be careful with your tone to avoid sounding annoyed.
What It Means
That's fine is your go-to phrase for simple agreement. It tells people you are satisfied with a plan. It is not overly excited. It is not angry. It is a calm middle ground. Think of it as a green light for a conversation. You are saying, "I accept this."
How To Use It
Use it when someone offers a solution or asks for permission. If a friend asks to meet at 5:00 PM, you say That's fine. If a waiter says they are out of fish, you say That's fine. It works best for small decisions. Keep your voice steady and light. A flat tone might make you sound bored. A smile makes it sound much warmer.
When To Use It
You can use this almost anywhere. Use it when texting to confirm a plan. Use it at work when a deadline moves slightly. It is great for polite refusals too. If someone offers more coffee and you are full, say "No thanks, that's fine." It keeps the mood friendly and easy. It is the ultimate 'low-stress' English phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for big, exciting news. If your friend gets married, don't say That's fine. That would be very awkward! Also, be careful if you are actually upset. Saying That's fine with crossed arms means the opposite. In English, this is called being 'passive-aggressive'. If you are truly unhappy, use a different phrase to explain why.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love being polite but indirect. That's fine is a way to avoid conflict. It helps keep things 'smooth'. It reflects a culture where we don't want to be a burden. By saying That's fine, you are telling the other person not to worry about you. It is a very helpful social lubricant.
Common Variations
You will hear people say That's perfectly fine to be extra polite. Friends might just say Fine by me. If you want to sound more modern, you can say That works for me. In very casual settings, some people just say Fine. However, be careful with just Fine as it can sometimes sound a bit grumpy!
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe for both the office and the dinner table. The biggest 'gotcha' is tone of voice—keep it upbeat to ensure you sound genuinely agreeable.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a sigh, people will think you are actually angry. Keep it light!
The 'Fine' Trap
In many English-speaking households, if a partner says 'I'm fine' or 'It's fine' with no smile, it usually means something is very wrong!
Don't use for big news
Never use this for compliments or celebrations. It sounds like you don't care about the good news.
例文
6Can we meet at 3 PM instead? Yes, that's fine.
Can we meet at 3 PM instead? Yes, that's fine.
Shows flexibility in a professional but friendly way.
We are out of lemons, is lime okay? That's fine, thank you.
We are out of lemons, is lime okay? That's fine, thank you.
Accepting a substitute politely.
I'll be five minutes late! That's fine, see you soon.
I'll be five minutes late! That's fine, see you soon.
Short and reassuring for a common social slip-up.
Do you want a coat? No, I'm okay, that's fine.
Do you want a coat? No, I'm okay, that's fine.
Used here to mean 'I am satisfied with my current state'.
Fine, that's fine, just do whatever you want.
Fine, that's fine, just do whatever you want.
The repetition and context show the speaker is actually unhappy.
I'm so sorry I broke the glass. Don't worry, that's fine.
I'm so sorry I broke the glass. Don't worry, that's fine.
Used to forgive a small mistake and reduce tension.
自分をテスト
Choose the best response to accept a plan.
Person A: 'Is it okay if I bring my brother?' Person B: '___, the more the merrier!'
`That's fine` is the only logical choice to show acceptance of a guest.
Identify the polite refusal.
Would you like some more cake? No thank you, ___.
In this context, it means 'I have had enough and am satisfied'.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale
Used with friends
Fine by me!
Standard daily use
That's fine.
Polite business use
That is perfectly acceptable.
When to say 'That's fine'
Ordering Food
Accepting a side dish swap
Work
Agreeing to a new meeting time
Social
Forgiving a late friend
Home
Deciding what to watch on TV
よくある質問
12 問Almost! It means 'Yes, I accept that.' It is more about agreeing to a situation than just answering a question.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral. If your boss suggests a change, That's fine is a professional way to agree.
Only if your body language is negative. If you smile or nod, it sounds very helpful and kind.
They are mostly interchangeable. That's fine usually refers to a specific suggestion, while It's fine often refers to a general situation.
Yes, if you say No thanks, that's fine. It means you are happy with what you already have.
Yes, it's very common. Just be aware that without emojis, short phrases can sometimes seem 'cold' to some people.
Use the contraction That's fine for a natural, conversational sound. That is fine sounds very formal or serious.
It is a great response! It tells the person that their mistake was small and you aren't mad.
Extremely common. British people use it constantly to remain polite and avoid making a fuss.
Probably not. If you are very happy, use That's great! or That's wonderful! instead.
You can say That works or All good. These are very popular with younger people.
Yes, it is a standard way to confirm details or agree to a request in a work email.
関連フレーズ
That works for me
A slightly more casual way to say a plan is convenient.
No problem
Used to show that a request or situation is not a trouble.
That's acceptable
A more formal way to say something meets the requirements.
Sounds good
A positive and common way to agree to a suggestion.
コメント (0)
ログインしてコメント無料で言語学習を始めよう
無料で始める