Translation guide
How to express enthusiastic agreement, confirmation, or excitement in Japanese, ranging from neutral to casual and emphatic forms.
A standard, polite way to say 'yes' in most situations.
The most common and neutral word for 'yes'. Used in formal and informal settings, but can sound stiff in very casual conversation.
"Is this yours?" "Yes, it is."
A slightly softer, more conversational 'yes' than はい. Common in spoken Japanese, but can be used in polite contexts.
「明日来られますか？」「ええ、大丈夫です。」
"Can you come tomorrow?" "Yes, that's fine."
Informal ways to say 'yes' among friends or in relaxed settings.
The most common casual 'yes'. Used in everyday conversation with close friends, family, or children.
「これ食べていい？」「うん、いいよ。」
"Can I eat this?" "Yeah, sure."
Literally 'that's right', used as a casual 'yes' or 'yeah' to confirm what someone said.
「明日テストだよね？」「そう、そう。」
"We have a test tomorrow, right?" "Yeah, yeah."
Expressing strong agreement, joy, or excitement, similar to 'Yes!' in English.
An exclamation of joy or success, like 'Yay!' or 'I did it!'. Often used when something good happens.
「試験に合格したよ！」「やった！」
"I passed the exam!" "Yes!"
An exclamation of determination or satisfaction, like 'Alright!' or 'Yes!'. Often used when about to start something or after a success.
「よし、行くぞ！」
"Yes! Let's go!"
Literally 'good, isn't it', used to express enthusiastic approval, like 'Sounds great!' or 'Yes!'.
Strongly confirming a statement or fact, often with emphasis.
Polite way to say 'that's right' or 'yes, it is'. Used in formal and neutral contexts.
「田中さんですか？」「はい、そうです。」
"Are you Mr. Tanaka?" "Yes, that's right."
Plain form of そうです. Used in casual speech or written language.
「これ、君の？」「そうだ。」
"Is this yours?" "Yes, it is."
A more emphatic 'exactly' or 'that's right'. Polite and somewhat formal.
「つまり、計画を変更する必要があるということですね？」「その通りです。」
"So, we need to change the plan, right?" "Yes, exactly."
How to answer 'yes' when the question is phrased negatively, which differs from English logic.
In Japanese, 'yes' confirms the negative statement, while 'no' contradicts it. This is the opposite of English. For example, to a question 'Don't you like it?', 'Yes, I don't like it' is はい、好きではありません, and 'No, I do like it' is いいえ、好きです.
「コーヒーは飲まないんですか？」「はい、飲みません。」
"Don't you drink coffee?" "Yes, I don't." (meaning: correct, I don't drink it)
「コーヒーは飲まないんですか？」「いいえ、飲みます。」
"Don't you drink coffee?" "No, I do." (meaning: that's wrong, I do drink it)
When asked a negative question like 「コーヒーは飲まないんですか？」 (Don't you drink coffee?), answering はい means 'Yes, I don't drink it' and いいえ means 'No, I do drink it'. This is the reverse of English.
「疲れていませんか？」「はい、疲れていません。」
"Aren't you tired?" "Yes, I'm not tired."
はい is the standard, all-purpose 'yes'. ええ is slightly more conversational and softer, but still polite. In very formal situations, stick with はい.
"Want to go to the beach this weekend?" "Yes!"