One of the first things you’ll want to know when learning any language is how to say “yes.” In Japanese, however, the word for “yes” can change based on the context, level of politeness, and even the situation you’re in. Unlike English, where saying “yes” is pretty straightforward, Japanese offers multiple ways to affirm something, and knowing which one to use can make all the difference in soundling natural and respectful.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say “yes” in Japanese, from the basic and formal to the casual and polite, along with tips on how to use them appropriately. Plus, we’ll show you how Migaku can help you master these expressions in real-life contexts.
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はい (Hai) – The Most Common Way to Say “Yes”
The most straightforward way to say “yes” in Japanese is はい (hai). This is a versatile word that can be used in almost any situation where you’d say “yes” in English, whether you’re responding to a question or acknowledging someone. It’s polite enough for formal settings but casual enough for informal conversations as well.
For example:
- A: これはあなたのですか？ (Kore wa anata no desu ka?) – Is this yours?
- B: はい (Hai) – Yes.
While はい (hai) is an all-purpose word, the tone in which you say it is crucial. Speaking too flatly or in a dismissive tone could sound impolite, so always aim to say it warmly.
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ええ (Ee) – A More Casual “Yes”
ええ (ee) is the more casual version of はい (hai) and is used more frequently in informal settings, such as with friends, family, or people you are comfortable with. It’s essentially the Japanese equivalent of saying “yeah” in English. While still polite, it carries a relaxed tone.
For example:
- A: 今夜、映画を見に行こうか？ (Kon’ya, eiga o mi ni ikou ka?) – Shall we go see a movie tonight?
- B: ええ (Ee) – Yeah.
Keep in mind that while ええ (ee) is casual, it’s not inappropriate in any way—it’s simply more laid-back compared to the more formal はい (hai).
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うん (Un) – The Most Informal “Yes”
If you’re looking for an even more informal way to say “yes,” especially with close friends, うん (un) is your go-to. It’s akin to saying “uh-huh” or “yup” in English. While very relaxed, it’s not rude—just casual. Be careful using うん (un) with superiors or in professional settings, as it could come across as too familiar.
For example:
- A: ご飯食べた？ (Gohan tabeta?) – Did you eat?
- B: うん (Un) – Yeah.
Use うん (un) when speaking with close friends, family, or people you’re very comfortable with, but it’s best to avoid in formal or unfamiliar situations.
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そうです (Sou desu) – “That’s Right” (Affirming Agreement)
While not a direct translation of “yes,” そうです (sou desu) is often used to affirm something or agree with what someone has said. It’s more akin to saying “that’s right” or “exactly” in English, and it’s commonly used in formal and polite contexts.
For example:
- A: あなたは先生ですか？ (Anata wa sensei desu ka?) – Are you a teacher?
- B: そうです (Sou desu) – That’s right.
そうです (sou desu) is formal and polite, and it can also be used in conversations to show understanding or agreement. If you want to be even more formal, you can say そうですね (sou desu ne), which is similar to adding “I agree” or “right?” in English.
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はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu) – A More Formal “Yes”
If you want to be very formal, はい、そうです (hai, sou desu) is a great option. It’s a full expression used when you want to confirm something politely and is typically used in more serious or formal conversations.
For example:
- A: 明日は会議がありますか？ (Ashita wa kaigi ga arimasu ka?) – Is there a meeting tomorrow?
- B: はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu) – Yes, that’s correct.
This phrase is ideal in business settings or when speaking to people of higher social standing.
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わかりました (Wakarimashita) – “I Understand” (As a form of agreement)
わかりました (wakarimashita) literally translates to “I understand,” but it’s often used as a way to say “yes” when someone gives you instructions or when confirming that you’ve understood something. It’s polite and appropriate for both formal and informal situations.
For example:
- A: この書類を明日までに提出してください (Kono shorui o ashita made ni teishutsu shite kudasai) – Please submit this document by tomorrow.
- B: わかりました (Wakarimashita) – Understood.
This phrase shows that you’ve acknowledged what the other person said and agreed to follow through, making it another useful tool in your Japanese communication toolkit.
How Migaku Helps You Learn How to Say “Yes” in Japanese
Mastering how to say “yes” in Japanese is just the beginning. To truly become fluent, it’s important to learn how to use these phrases in context, especially in casual and formal settings. That’s where Migaku can help.
Migaku offers an immersive approach to learning Japanese by allowing you to practice with real-world content from sources like Netflix, YouTube, and websites. Whether you’re watching a Japanese drama or listening to a podcast, you can click on any word or phrase to instantly see the meaning, pronunciation, and usage. This feature is particularly helpful for mastering how to say “yes” in different situations.
With Migaku, you can track your progress and create personalized flashcards for words and phrases you’ve learned, ensuring you retain what you’ve studied. It’s an excellent tool for building confidence as you practice real-life conversations.
For more information on how Migaku can help you master Japanese, check out How to Say Yes in Japanese.
Conclusion
In Japanese, saying “yes” can be more nuanced than you might expect. Whether you’re using はい (hai) in a formal meeting, ええ (ee) with friends, or そうです (sou desu) to agree with someone, each phrase has its place. By learning these expressions, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally.
For learners looking to truly immerse themselves in the language, Migaku offers an ideal way to practice Japanese through real-world content, helping you perfect your use of these phrases in different contexts. Ready to get started? Explore Migaku and take your Japanese learning to the next level!
Happy learning!
