When learning Japanese, “Yes” (はい – hai) and “No” (いいえ – iie) are among the first words you encounter. However, just like in English, there are many ways to say “yes” in Japanese, each with different levels of formality and nuances. If you want to build a strong foundation in everyday Japanese, check out 48 Useful and Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know Before Coming to Japan.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common ways to say yes in Japanese, their meanings, and when to use them.
1.はい (Hai) – The Standard Japanese Yes
Usage: はい is interchangeable with the English word “yes”. It shows a positive agreement to the question asked. It’s commonly used in formal and neutral situations and conveys a clear agreement.
Example:
Q: 佐藤さんは先生ですか。
(Satou san wa sensei desuka)
Is Mr. Sato a teacher？
A: はい, 佐藤さんは先生です。
(Hai, Satou san wa sensei desu)
Yes. Mr. Satou is a teacher
2.ええ (Ee) – A Less Formal Yes
It expresses agreement and can also serve as a brief response to keep the conversation flowing. Polite yet more relaxed than hai, it is commonly used in everyday interactions.
Q: いい財布ですね
(ii saifu desune)
Such a nice wallet
A: ええ, 兄が買ってくれたのです
(Ee, ani ga kattekuretanodesu)
yes, my brother bought for me.
3.うん (Un) – A Casual Yes
Usage: うん is a casual expression, it is the most casual way of saying yes. It’s commonly used among close friends, family members, or when speaking with people of the same or lower status.
This expression can only be used when talking to someone you are close to. Use はい when talking to strangers or someone who outranks you.
Example:
Q: もうお昼食べた？
(Mou ohiru tabeta?)
have you had lunch already?
A: うん, 食べたよ
(Un, Tabetayo.)
yeah, I have.
🚨 Note: Avoid using うん (un) in formal situations, such as at work or when speaking to elders. Use はい (hai) instead.
4.そうですね (Soudesune) – Agreeing Thoughtfully
Usage: そうですね is used to express agreement in a thoughtful or reflective manner. It can also serve as a filler phrase when you need time to think.
Examples:
Expressing Agreement:
Q: 昨日は寒かったですね
(Kinou wa samukatta desune)
Yesterday was really cold, wasn’t it?
A: そうですね
(Soudesune)
yes, it was really cold.
Buying Time to Think:
Q: 新しい元号についてどうおもいますか?
(Atarashii gengou ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?)
How do you think of the new era name?
A: そうですね, とてもいいと思います
Totemo ii to omoimasu
I think it is great.
5. そうそう (Sou sou) – Yes, that’s right!
Usage: This phrase is used for enthusiastic agreement or to confirm something strongly. It often carries a sense of excitement or reassurance.
Example:
Q: つまり、このボタンを押せばいいんですね？
(Tsumari, kono botan o oseba ii n desu ne?)
So, I just need to press this button, right?
A: そうそう！
(Sou sou!)
Yes, exactly!
6. えええ (Eee…) – A Hesitant Yes
Usage: Used when agreeing but with some hesitation or uncertainty. This expression is often used when the speaker is unsure, thinking, or reluctant to give a direct answer.
Example:
Q: 来週の会議に出席できますか？
(Raishuu no kaigi ni shusseki dekimasu ka?)
Can you attend next week’s meeting?
A: えええ… たぶんできます。
(Eee… tabun dekimasu.)
Uh… probably, yes.
7. その通り (Sono tōri) – Exactly!
Usage: A more formal and precise way to confirm something. This expression is often used in discussions or debates where you strongly agree with a point.
Example:
Q: 君はとても努力家ですね。
(Kimi wa totemo doryokuka desu ne.)
You’re a really hard-working person.
A: その通りです！
(Sono tōri desu!)
That’s exactly right!
8: もちろん (Mochiron) – Of course
Usage: Used to say “yes” with certainty or enthusiasm. It emphasizes strong agreement or willingness.
Example:
Q: 手伝ってくれる？
(Tetsudatte kureru?)
Can you help me?
A: もちろん！
(Mochiron!)
Of course!
9. 分かりました (Wakarimashita) – I understand / Got it
Usage: Used to confirm understanding, often in a professional or educational setting. It signifies that you fully comprehend what has been said.
Example:
Q: 明日朝9時に会議があります。
(Ashita asa kuji ni kaigi ga arimasu.)
There’s a meeting tomorrow at 9 AM.
A: 分かりました！
(Wakarimashita!)
Got it!
10. 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita) – Understood (very formal)
Usage: A highly formal way to acknowledge instructions, often used in business and customer service interactions. If you want to master polite and formal Japanese, check out our guide on Japanese Keigo: A Guide to Formal Speech.
Example:
Q: 注文の変更をお願いします。
(Chuumon no henko o onegai shimasu.)
Can you change my order?
A: 承知しました。
(Shouchi shimashita.)
Noted.
🔍 Want to explore more about Japanese vocabulary? Check out Jisho.org to look up different expressions and their meanings in context!
Summary: Choosing the Right “Yes” word in Japanese
| Expression | Formality | Common Usage |
| はい (Hai) | Formal/Neutral | General use, business, polite settings |
| ええ (Ee) | Semi-formal | Casual conversations, polite but relaxed |
| うん (Un) | Informal | Friends, family, informal chats |
| そうですね (Sou desu ne) | Neutral | Agreeing thoughtfully, buying time |
| そうそう (Sou sou) | Informal | Enthusiastic agreement, reassurance |
| えええ (Eee…) | Informal | Hesitant agreement, uncertainty |
| その通り (Sono tōri) | Formal | Strong agreement, debates, discussions |
| もちろん (Mochiron) | Casual/Neutral | Expressing certainty or enthusiasm |
| 分かりました (Wakarimashita) | Formal | Confirming understanding |
| 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita) | Very Formal | Business, customer service |
These are some of the most common ways of saying yes in Japanese, do use them in suitable situations. You can also read other interesting articles written by us.
FAQ
What is the difference between はい (hai) and ええ (ee)?
Both mean “yes,” but はい (hai) is the standard and can be used in any situation, while ええ (ee) is slightly more casual and typically used in friendly but polite conversations.
When should I use うん (un) to say "yes"?
うん (un) is an informal way to say “yes,” similar to “yeah” in English. It should only be used in casual conversations with friends, family, or people of the same status. Avoid using it in formal situations or with superiors.
How do you express enthusiastic agreement in Japanese?
To express strong agreement, you can use:
- もちろん (mochiron) – “Of course!”
- そうそう (sou sou) – “Exactly!” or “That’s right!”
Are there Japanese expressions for "yes" that don’t directly translate to English?
Yes! Some expressions include:
- そうですね (sou desu ne) – Can mean “that’s true” or be used as a thoughtful agreement.
- その通り (sono tōri) – Means “exactly” or “that’s correct.”
How can I say "yes" while keeping a neutral tone in Japanese?
そうですね (sou desu ne) is commonly used to agree without sounding overly enthusiastic. It can also serve as a way to buy time while thinking about a response.