Translation guide
How to ask and answer yes/no questions in Japanese, including confirmation, choice, and indirect responses.
The learner wants to say 'yes' or 'no' in response to a question.
Standard 'yes'. Used in formal and polite contexts. Can also mean 'I understand' or 'here you are'.
Yes, that's right.
Standard 'no'. Often softened or avoided in polite speech.
No, that's wrong.
Casual 'yes'. Common in everyday conversation.
Yeah, it's fine.
Very casual 'yeah'. Used among friends and family.
Yeah, I'll go.
Casual 'no'. Often pronounced with a falling intonation.
No, I haven't eaten yet.
The learner wants to agree or disagree with a statement, not just answer a question.
In Japanese, you often confirm or deny by repeating the verb in positive or negative form, not just saying 'yes' or 'no'.
A: Will you go? B: Yes, I will.
A: Did you eat? B: No, I didn't.
Use そうです to confirm ('that's right') and 違います to deny ('that's wrong'). Polite and clear.
The learner wants to present a binary choice, like 'yes or no?'.
The learner wants to avoid a direct 'yes' or 'no' to be polite or vague.
Instead of saying 'no' directly, Japanese often uses ちょっと (a little...) to imply difficulty or refusal without being blunt.
A: Can you come tomorrow? B: Tomorrow is a bit...
Literally 'I'll think about it', often used to indirectly say 'no' or delay a decision.
Saying いいえ directly can sound too blunt. Use softening phrases like ちょっと... or すみませんが... to refuse politely.
Sorry, but today is a bit...
When answering yes/no, repeating the verb in positive or negative form is more natural and clear than just はい/いいえ.
A: Are you Mr. Tanaka? B: Yes, that's right.
A: Are you a student? B: No, I'm not.
A: Is this plan okay? B: I'll think about it a bit.