In every language, saying “yes” is essential for communication, but in Japanese, how you affirm something depends on the context, formality, and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Unlike English, where “yes” is relatively straightforward, Japanese offers various expressions to confirm, agree, or acknowledge things. Knowing when and how to use these different forms of “yes” will help you sound more natural, polite, and culturally aware.

This article will cover the different ways to say “yes” in Japanese, explore when to use them, and highlight how Migaku can help you practice these phrases in real-world situations.

1. はい (Hai) – The Standard “Yes”

The most common way to say “yes” in Japanese is はい (hai). This expression is versatile and polite enough for almost any situation, making it a great first phrase to learn. It’s used in both formal and casual contexts, but it’s important to note that はい (hai) is typically used in more neutral or polite settings.

When to Use It:

• Formal situations: If you’re in a professional or business context, speaking to a superior, or interacting with strangers, はい (hai) is the best option.
• Acknowledging or confirming something: Use it when agreeing with someone or confirming information.

Example for Learners:

• A: 会議に参加しますか？ (Kaigi ni sankashimasu ka?) – Will you attend the meeting?
• B: はい (Hai) – Yes.

Though it’s polite and widely used, be careful with your tone. A flat はい (hai) can sound too stiff or impersonal, especially when talking to friends or family. In these cases, other forms of “yes” might be more appropriate.

2. ええ (Ee) – A More Casual “Yes”

If you’re in a more informal setting, ええ (ee) is a common and friendly way to say “yes.” It’s similar to saying “yeah” in English, and it’s often used with people you know well, like friends, family, or peers.

When to Use It:

• Casual conversations: Perfect for everyday situations, particularly when talking to close friends or family.
• Affirming in a relaxed tone: It carries a slightly softer, warmer feeling than はい (hai), which can come across as more rigid.

Example for Learners:

• A: 今日、映画見に行かない？ (Kyou, eiga mini ikanai?) – Want to go see a movie today?
• B: ええ (Ee) – Yeah, sure.

While ええ (ee) is casual, it still maintains a level of politeness. It’s not overly formal, but it’s also respectful enough for close relationships.

3. うん (Un) – Very Casual “Yes”

うん (un) is the most informal way of saying “yes” in Japanese, and it’s equivalent to “uh-huh” or “yup” in English. It’s used in highly casual conversations with friends, family, or people you’re very familiar with.

When to Use It:

• Close friends or family: It’s appropriate only in very informal settings.
• Quick affirmations: Use it when you don’t need to go into a long explanation and just want to affirm something briefly.

Example for Learners:

• A: 今日は何かする？ (Kyou wa nanika suru?) – Are we doing anything today?
• B: うん (Un) – Yup.

うん (un) should be avoided in formal settings or with people of higher status, as it can sound disrespectful or too casual.

4. そうです (Sou desu) – “That’s Right”

When you want to say “yes” but also confirm that what the other person said is correct, そうです (sou desu) is perfect. It translates to “That’s right” or “That’s correct,” and it’s often used when affirming a statement or a fact.

When to Use It:

• Confirming facts: If someone asks you a question that you agree with, そうです (sou desu) is a great way to confirm their statement.
• Polite agreement: While it’s polite, it’s slightly less formal than はい (hai) and can be used in both casual and formal settings.

Example for Learners:

• A: あなたは学生ですか？ (Anata wa gakusei desu ka?) – Are you a student?
• B: そうです (Sou desu) – Yes, that’s correct.

そうです (sou desu) is particularly useful when responding to factual or direct questions and is commonly used in more structured conversations.

5. はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu) – “Yes, That’s Right”

For a more formal affirmation, you can use はい、そうです (hai, sou desu). This is essentially a combination of the polite はい (hai) and the confirming そうです (sou desu). It’s used when you want to sound both respectful and confirm something.

When to Use It:

• Formal settings: When you need to agree with someone in a respectful and formal way.
• When confirming details: If you want to make sure everything is correct and convey a sense of politeness.

Example for Learners:

• A: 明日、会議がありますか？ (Ashita, kaigi ga arimasu ka?) – Is there a meeting tomorrow?
• B: はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu) – Yes, that’s correct.

Using はい、そうです (hai, sou desu) shows respect and is ideal in professional or formal contexts.

6. うん、そうだね (Un, sou da ne) – “Yeah, That’s Right” (Casual)

Similar to そうです (sou desu), うん、そうだね (un, sou da ne) is a casual way of agreeing with someone, and it adds a bit of warmth and emphasis. The だね (da ne) softens the statement, making it feel more conversational and friendly.

When to Use It:

• Casual settings: With friends or people you’re close to, particularly in relaxed or friendly conversations.
• To emphasize agreement: If you’re affirming something and want to sound a bit more engaged or casual.

Example for Learners:

• A: 明日、みんなで映画見ようよ (Ashita, minna de eiga miyou yo) – Let’s all go see a movie tomorrow.
• B: うん、そうだね (Un, sou da ne) – Yeah, that’s right.

うん、そうだね (un, sou da ne) conveys a friendly and positive agreement, ideal for conversations with peers.

How Migaku Can Help You Master “Yes” in Japanese

Learning when and how to use “yes” in Japanese is one thing, but using it naturally in real-life conversations is another challenge. Migaku offers an interactive, immersive approach to language learning that can help you practice these phrases in authentic contexts.

With Migaku, you can:

• Immerse yourself in real content: Watch Japanese media like anime, movies, and YouTube videos where native speakers use はい (hai), うん (un), and other variations of “yes” in context.
• Instantly click on words: If you come across unfamiliar phrases or words while watching Japanese content, you can click on them to get translations, definitions, and pronunciation.
• Reinforce what you learn: Migaku allows you to create flashcards and use the Spaced Repetition System (SRS) to make sure you retain these expressions for the long term.

For more details on how Migaku can support your language-learning journey, check out Migaku’s Guide to Learning Japanese.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “yes” in Japanese is essential for both beginners and intermediate learners. Whether you’re using the formal はい (hai), the casual うん (un), or the confirming そうです (sou desu), each expression has its place in conversation depending on the situation, formality, and relationship with the listener. By understanding these nuances, you can communicate more naturally and respectfully.

With the help of Migaku, you can immerse yourself in authentic content, practice your new vocabulary, and ensure that you’re using these expressions correctly in real conversations.