Translation guide
How to confirm or agree with a statement in Japanese, depending on formality, context, and the nature of what is being confirmed.
Agreeing that something is correct or true, often in response to a question or assertion.
Polite and neutral way to say 'that is right' or 'that is so'. Used in formal and everyday polite conversation.
これはあなたの本ですか？ はい、そうです。
Is this your book? Yes, that's right.
Literally 'that's the way it is'. Stronger agreement, often used when someone has explained something correctly.
おっしゃる通りです。
That's exactly right (as you say).
Plain/casual form of そうです. Used among friends or in informal situations.
明日テストだよね？ そうだ。
Tomorrow's the test, right? That's right.
Literally 'correct answer'. Used when confirming an answer to a quiz or problem.
答えは東京ですか？ 正解です。
Is the answer Tokyo? That's correct.
Showing that you now understand or have realized something, similar to 'ah, that's right' or 'oh, I see'.
Expresses that you've understood or accepted an explanation. Often translated as 'I see' or 'that makes sense'.
なるほど、そういうことだったんですね。
Oh, I see, so that's how it was.
Casual expression of realization, like 'oh, right' or 'ah, I see'.
ああ、そうか。忘れてた。
Oh, that's right. I forgot.
Casual, 'so that's what it is/means'. Used when a misunderstanding is cleared up.
そういうことか！やっとわかった。
So that's it! I finally get it.
Verifying that details of a plan or schedule are correct.
Polite way to confirm details, like 'that is correct' regarding information or arrangements.
予約は3時で合っていますか？ はい、それで合っています。
Is the reservation at 3 o'clock correct? Yes, that's right.
Literally 'there is no mistake'. Used to confirm something is definitely correct.
この電車で合ってますか？ はい、間違いないです。
Is this the right train? Yes, that's definitely right.
Do not translate 'that is right' word-for-word as 'それは正しいです'. While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use the phrases above instead.
そうです is a general confirmation. その通りです is stronger and implies that someone's explanation or opinion is exactly correct. Use その通りです when you want to emphasize full agreement.