Yes in Japanese
How to say "Yes" in Japanese
The basic word for "Yes" in Japanese is はい (hai):
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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 saying "yes" when acknowledging or agreeing.
そうですね
Sō desu ne
Yes, it [really] is, isn't it?
There are also informal ways to agree with someone:
ええ
Ee
Yes (informal)
そう
Sō
Yes; that's right
If you want to give some emphasis when you are agreeing with somebody, you can use these phrases:
はい、勿論です。
はい、もちろんです。
Hai, mochirondesu.
Yes, of course.
はい、良いですよ。
はい、いい です よ。
Hai, ii desu yo.
Yes, that's fine / sure.
はい、かしこまりました。
Hai, kashikomarimashita.
Yes, certainly.
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.
はい、千円です。
はい、せん えん です。
Hai, sen en desu.
Here you are, 1000 yen.
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.
Jā matta!
Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese
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