What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hai (yes), sō (so/that way) and shimasu (to do, polite form).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
はい、そうします is a polite way to agree, and the use of the masu verb ending makes it appropriate for use with superiors, colleagues or strangers. In more formal settings, if you are acknowledging a request from someone in a higher position, you can use はい、承知いたしました to carry a sense of deep understanding and respectful agreement. In service-oriented professions or the military, かしこまりました is commonly used to signify agreement and a willingness to fulfill a task. For informal settings among friends and peers, you might use うん、するよ, いいよ or わかった to express understanding and agreement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas, people may say うん、するで instead of うん、するよ to mean the same thing informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb shimasu is in the polite non-past form, which is used to express a future intention or a decision made at the moment of speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
hai, sō shimasu
Did you know?
- If you use the even more formal かしこまりました, you are using a verb that literally translates to 'to understand or perceive clearly', a term historically reserved for high-ranking officials or nobility.
- In Japanese, the phrase はい is often used as a filler word meaning 'I am listening' during a conversation, even if the speaker is not actually agreeing with the person.
- In Japanese culture, a nod given while saying はい often functions as a signal of 'I hear you' rather than a confirmation of 'I will do it'.
Examples in context
- はい、そうします。Hai, sou shimasu.Yes, I will do that.
- 「明日までに連絡してください」「はい、そうします。」Asu made ni renraku shite kudasai. Hai, sou shimasu.Please contact me by tomorrow. Yes, I will.
- 「窓を閉めておいてください」「はい、そうします。」Mado o shimete oite kudasai. Hai, sou shimasu.Please keep the window closed. Yes, I will.
Example conversation
Yui suggests that Yota should take a break.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さん、少し休んだほうがいいですよ。Yōta-san, sukoshi yasunda hō ga ii desu yo.Yota, you should take a little break.
- 陽太 Yotaそうですね。はい、そうします。Sō desu ne. Hai, sō shimasu.You're right. Yes, I will.
- 結衣 Yuiコーヒーを淹れましょうか？Kōhī o iremashō ka?Shall I make some coffee?
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。お願いします。Arigatō gozaimasu. Onegai shimasu.Thank you. Please do.
