"Ne" is like an "agreement" particle. It keep conversions going, because it encourages a response. Atsui desu ne? -- It's hot, isn't it? "Yo" is used when you're emphasizing a point. If someone says that it's cold, and you think it's hot, you could say: Atsui desu yo! -- It's hot! (and, has the *feeling* of disagreeing with that person's comment). It's explained near the bottom of this page, which has a lot of Japanese particles http://www.timwerx.net/language/particles.htm#ne Also, it is explained a little here: http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+29090 If you have any more questions, please let me know. ^-^ ~Megumi