Translation guide
How to express agreement, confirmation, or a positive response in Japanese, depending on formality and context.
The most common way to give an affirmative answer or show agreement in conversation.
The standard polite 'yes'. Used in formal and neutral situations. Can also mean 'I understand' or 'here you are'.
「お茶はいかがですか？」「はい、お願いします。」
"Would you like some tea?" "Yes, please."
A casual but still polite 'yes', softer than はい. Common in everyday conversation.
Very casual 'yeah' or 'uh-huh', used among friends and family. Not for formal situations.
Literally 'that is so', used to confirm a statement. Polite form of そうだ.
「田中さんですか？」「はい、そうです。」
"Are you Mr. Tanaka?" "Yes, that's right."
Used when you want to affirm that something is correct, true, or agreed upon, often in more formal or written contexts.
Used in contexts like parliamentary procedure, ballots, or formal agreements where 'affirmative' means a vote in favor.
Referring to the positive form of a verb or sentence, as opposed to negative.
The affirmative form of a verb or adjective. Used in grammar explanations.
この動詞の肯定形は「食べる」です。
The affirmative form of this verb is 'taberu'.
English 'affirmative' is rarely translated directly as 肯定 in everyday speech. Use はい or ええ for simple agreement, and そうです for confirmation.
「コーヒーでいい？」「はい。」
"Is coffee okay?" "Yes."
はい is polite and safe for most situations. ええ is softer and more conversational but still polite. うん is very casual and should only be used with close friends or family.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" "Yeah, I'll go."
"Can I eat this?" "Yeah, sure."
The direct translation of 'affirmative', meaning affirmation or positive. Used in formal, logical, or grammatical contexts.
彼の返事は肯定だった。
His reply was affirmative.
Adjectival form meaning 'affirmative' or 'positive'. Often used to describe attitudes or responses.
彼女はその提案に肯定的な意見を述べた。
She gave an affirmative opinion on the proposal.
Polite phrase meaning 'yes, that is correct'. Common in formal Q&A.
「この書類は正しいですか？」「はい、そうです。」
"Is this document correct?" "Yes, it is."
Means 'agreement' or 'approval'. Used for voting 'aye' or 'in favor'.
その動議に賛成の人は手を挙げてください。
Those in the affirmative on the motion, please raise your hands.
An affirmative vote or ballot.
賛成票が過半数を超えた。
The affirmative votes exceeded a majority.
An affirmative sentence.
肯定文を否定文に変えてください。
Please change the affirmative sentence into a negative sentence.