How to say "Yes" in Japanese
The basic word for "Yes" in Japanese is はい (hai):
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はい
はい
hai
yes
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In Japan, it's very common to hear the phrase そう です ね (sō desu ne). It's another way of acknowledging or agreeing.
そうですね。
そう です ね。
Sō desu ne.
That's right.
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There are also informal ways to agree with someone:
ええ
ええ
ē
right
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そう
そう
sō
that's right
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If you want to give some emphasis when you are agreeing with somebody, you can use these phrases:
はい、もちろんです。
はい、 もちろん です。
Hai, mochiron desu.
Yes, of course.
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はい、良いですよ。
はい、いい です よ。
Hai, ī desu yo.
Yes, that's fine.
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はい、かしこまりました。
はい、 かしこまりました。
Hai, kashikomarimashita.
Yes, certainly.
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はい (Hai) is also used in Japan as a polite term of acknowledgement.
はい、領収書です。
はい、 りょうしゅうしょ です。
Hai, ryōshūsho desu.
Here is (your) receipt.
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はい、1000円です。
はい、せん えん です。
Hai, sen en desu.
Here you are, 1,000 yen.
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Here are a few recommended Japanese lessons to try next!
- Renting a car? Know the parts of your car in Japanese.
- Shopping is much easier if you know your clothes in Japanese!
- Describing the colors in Japanese is essential to spice up your conversational skills.
じゃあ、また！ (Jā mata!) "See you later!"
Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese
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