How to Say Yes in Japanese
Learn how to say yes in Japanese. 'Hai' (はい) is the standard yes; 'Un' and 'Ee' are casual. Pronunciation guide + why 'hai' means more than just yes.
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Quick answer
To say yes in Japanese, say 'Hai' (はい, pronounced 'hai', like the English word 'high'). It is the standard, polite yes used in almost every situation. Casually, with friends, 'Un' (うん) means 'yeah' and 'Ee' (ええ) is a softer 'yes'. Like in many languages, 'Hai' is also used as a conversational acknowledgement ('I'm listening / I see').
はい
/hai/ — Japanese
How to Say Yes in Japanese
“Yes” in Japanese is the short, clear word Hai — but like its counterpart in many languages, it does more work than a simple agreement.
The Standard Yes: Hai
はい — Hai — pronounced hai (like the English word “high”)
Crisp, one syllable, and polite in every situation.
Copy the Phrase
The Japanese word for “yes” is はい (Hai, hai).
The Levels of Yes
| Japanese | Romaji | Use |
|---|---|---|
| はい | Hai | Standard polite yes (always safe) |
| ええ | Ee | Softer, gentle “yes” |
| うん | Un | Casual “yeah” (friends, family) |
| そう | Sō | ”That’s right” (casual) |
| そうです | Sō desu | ”That’s right” (polite) |
Use Hai as your default; reserve Un/Ee for casual settings.
Hai Is More Than “Yes”
Like several Japanese words, はい is versatile. It also serves as:
- An acknowledgement — “uh-huh / I’m listening / I see” while someone talks
- “Here you go” — when handing something to someone
- “Present / here” — answering when your name is called
So you’ll hear hai constantly, far beyond simple agreement.
Agreeing More Specifically
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| そうです | Sō desu | That’s right (polite) |
| そうですね | Sō desu ne | Yes, that’s so (soft agreement) |
| そうそう | Sō sō | Right, right! (enthusiastic) |
| いいですよ | Ii desu yo | Sure / that’s fine |
Pronunciation Tips
- Hai — “hai” (= English “high”); short and crisp
- Un — a soft nasal “oon/uhn”
- Ee — a held “eh”
- Japanese has light, even stress — keep it natural
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Hai?
'Hai' (はい) is pronounced exactly like the English word 'high' — one short syllable. It is crisp and clear. Avoid drawing it out; it is a quick 'hai'.
Is Hai always formal?
'Hai' is polite and works in every situation, formal or casual, so it is always safe. Among close friends, the more casual 'Un' (うん, 'yeah') or 'Ee' (ええ) are common, but using 'Hai' is never wrong or too stiff.
Does Hai only mean yes?
No. Besides 'yes', 'Hai' is used as a conversational filler to show you are listening (like 'uh-huh' or 'I see'), as 'here you go' when handing something over, and as 'present/here' when answering a roll call. So Japanese speakers say 'hai' very often, not only to agree.
How do you say yes casually in Japanese?
With friends and family, 'Un' (うん) is the casual 'yeah' (note the soft nasal sound), and 'Ee' (ええ) is a gentle, slightly more mature 'yes'. Young people also use 'Sō sō' (そうそう — 'right, right') to enthusiastically agree.
How do you say 'yes, that's right' in Japanese?
'Sō desu' (そうです — 'that's right/that is so', polite) or casually 'Sō' (そう). 'Sō desu ne' (そうですね) softly agrees ('yes, that's so, isn't it'). These confirm a statement, while 'Hai' is the general 'yes'.