Translation guide
How to express affirmation in Japanese, from simple agreement to formal confirmation.
The speaker wants to agree with a statement or confirm something is correct in everyday conversation.
The most basic and polite way to say 'yes' or affirm something. Safe for most situations.
A: Is this your book? B: Yes, it is.
A slightly more casual 'yes', often used in conversation. Can sound softer than はい.
A: 明日来る？ B: ええ、行くよ。
A: Are you coming tomorrow? B: Yeah, I'll go.
Very casual 'yeah' or 'uh-huh', used among friends and family. Not for formal situations.
A: これ、おいしいね。 B: うん、本当においしい。
A: This is delicious, isn't it? B: Yeah, really delicious.
Literally 'that is so'. A polite way to affirm a statement. Often used with はい.
A: 田中さんですか？ B: はい、そうです。
A: Are you Mr. Tanaka? B: Yes, I am.
The speaker wants to emphasize that something is definitely true or to strongly agree.
Means 'certainly' or 'indeed'. Used to acknowledge a point while sometimes implying a contrast.
確かに、それは問題ですね。
Indeed, that is a problem.
Literally 'it's exactly that way'. A strong affirmation meaning 'exactly' or 'you're right'.
A: もっと練習が必要だと思います。 B: その通りです。
A: I think we need more practice. B: Exactly.
Means 'precisely' or 'exactly'. Emphasizes that something is just as stated.
The speaker needs to affirm something in a formal setting, such as a wedding, oath, or official statement.
Means 'I swear' or 'I vow'. Used in formal oaths or pledges.
私は真実を話すことを誓います。
I swear to tell the truth.
A common response in wedding vows or formal affirmations: 'Yes, I do.'
司会者: あなたはこの人を妻とし、生涯愛することを誓いますか？ 新郎: はい、誓います。
Officiant: Do you take this woman to be your wife, and promise to love her for all your life? Groom: I do.
The speaker refers to a statement repeated to encourage oneself or maintain a positive mindset.
Literally 'affirmative words'. Used to describe positive affirmations or mantras.
毎朝、肯定的な言葉を繰り返すことで自信がつきます。
Repeating affirmations every morning builds confidence.
Loanword from English, used in self-help contexts. Common in modern Japanese.
彼女は毎日アファメーションを実践している。
She practices daily affirmations.
The speaker refers to a formal declaration or confirmation of a fact, often in legal or administrative contexts.
Means 'confirmation' or 'verification'. Used for affirming facts, schedules, or details.
予約の確認をお願いします。
Please confirm the reservation.
Means 'approval' or 'acknowledgment'. Used when officially affirming or sanctioning something.
That's exactly what I wanted to say.
上司の承認が必要です。
We need the boss's approval.