🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Yes" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
はい
"Yes" in Japanese · say it like hai

The most natural way to say "Yes" in Japanese is はい. 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

ええ
more casual, often used in conversation
そうです
more formal, often used to confirm information

When to use it

Use 'はい' when you want to affirm something or agree with someone. It is appropriate in both formal and informal situations. You can use it in conversations, meetings, or when answering questions.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Yes" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
はい、わかりました。Yes, I understand.
はい、行きます。Yes, I will go.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'はい' with 'いいえ' (no) and use it in negative contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear はい, 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

When should I use 'はい'?

'はい' is used to agree or confirm something in conversation.

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