Dictionary / Japanese / Yes
How to Say "Yes" in Japanese
はい
hai
Polite or casual
Politeはい
Casualうん (un)
はい is polite and works everywhere. With friends, うん is the everyday yes. ええ (ē) is a softer yes, heard in conversation more than in writing.
The mistake to avoid. はい often means "I'm listening" or "I understand", not "I agree". People say it while someone else is talking, to show they are following. A string of はい does not always mean the answer is yes.
In context
はい、そうです。
Hai, sō desu.
Yes, that's right.
はい、わかりました。
Hai, wakarimashita.
Yes, I understand.
うん、いいよ。
Un, ii yo.
Yeah, sure. (casual)