🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Yes and no" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
はいといいえ
"Yes and no" in Japanese · say it like hai toh ee-eh

The most natural way to say "Yes and no" in Japanese is はいといいえ. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

はいといいえの両方
used to emphasize both aspects
うんといいえ
more casual, often used in informal conversations

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to express mixed feelings about something. It is common in discussions where both positive and negative aspects are present. It can also be used to indicate uncertainty or ambivalence.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Yes and no" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
この映画は面白いけど、長すぎる。はいといいえ。This movie is interesting, but it's too long. Yes and no.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with just saying 'はい' or 'いいえ', missing the nuance of both.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear はいといいえ, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in formal situations?

It's better to use it in casual conversations, as it may sound too informal in formal settings.

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