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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"Aren't you tired?" "Yes, I'm not tired."
"Can you come tomorrow?" "Yes, that's fine."
「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.
"We have a test tomorrow, right?" "Yeah, yeah."
"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.
"Yes! Let's go!"
Literally 'good, isn't it', used to express enthusiastic approval, like 'Sounds great!' or 'Yes!'.
"Want to go to the beach this weekend?" "Yes!"
"Are you Mr. Tanaka?" "Yes, that's right."
Plain form of そうです. Used in casual speech or written language.
"Is this yours?" "Yes, it is."
A more emphatic 'exactly' or 'that's right'. Polite and somewhat formal.
"So, we need to change the plan, right?" "Yes, exactly."
"Don't you drink coffee?" "Yes, I don't." (meaning: correct, I don't drink it)
"Don't you drink coffee?" "No, I do." (meaning: that's wrong, I do drink it)
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.