はい、そうです
hai, sō desu
In Japanese, the English phrase "yes, I am" is expressed as はい、そうです (hai, sō desu).
はい、そうです is a polite way to confirm that a statement someone else has made about you is correct.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "yes, it is so".
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where you repeat the verb "I am" (Yes, I am), Japanese uses the phrase "it is so" to confirm a statement about yourself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite form is はい、そうです. For an informal version, you can use うん、そうだよ (yeah, that's right). If you need to provide your name along with "Yes, I am" in a formal setting, you can use Hai, Watashi wa [your name] desu.
How do you pronounce it?
hai, sō desu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to include "I" (watashi wa) in the phrase by saying はい、私はそうです. Instead, use はい、そうです, as it is more natural and grammatically standard for this confirmation.
Did you know?
- In highly formal business settings, そうです may be replaced with さようでございます to show extreme respect to the person asking the question.
- The word はい (hai) originated as a way to signal that you are listening or following a conversation, rather than just saying 'yes'. It functions almost like a verbal nod to show the speaker you are engaged.
- Adding the particle ね to the end to make そうですね transforms the phrase from a confident confirmation into a way of agreeing with the speaker while thinking of a response.
Examples in context
- A: 田中さんですか？ B: はい、そうです。A: Tanaka-san desu ka? B: Hai, sou desu.A: Are you Mr. Tanaka? B: Yes, I am.
- はい、そうです。明日行きます。Hai, sou desu. Ashita ikimasu.Yes, that is right. I will go tomorrow.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are meeting for the first time at a class.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんですか？Misaki-san desu ka?Are you Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、そうです。Hai, sō desu.Yes, I am.
- 蓮 Renよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you.
- 美咲 Misakiこちらこそよろしくお願いします。Kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
