はい
hai[ha̠i]polite
The English word "yes" can be translated into Japanese as はい (hai), ええ or うん.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| はい | hai | [ha̠i] (narrow) | polite |
| ええ | ē | [e̞ː] (narrow) | |
| うん | un | /m̩/ | informal |
These words are used to indicate agreement or acceptance. The form はい also functions as a response to confirm you are paying attention to a speaker, similar to saying "I see" or "Understood".
Which one should you use?
はい is the standard polite version. ええ is a more casual, conversational version that sounds softer than はい, though it remains more polite than うん. うん is an informal and archaic form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
はい is suitable for use with superiors or in formal settings. ええ is more casual and conversational. うん is informal.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hai
Did you know?
- The affirmative meaning of はい is relatively modern, with the first citations of it as a 'yes' response appearing around 1774.
- The informal うん actually originates from the sound of a person grunting while straining or putting in physical effort.
- Japanese speakers often avoid saying はい directly when declining an invitation, instead using vague phrases to avoid the social friction of a direct 'no'.
Examples in context
- ええ、喜んで。Yes, I'll be glad to.This sentence shows how to use ええ to express willingness.Tatoeba #228005 by small_snow, translation #13086546 by terrywallwork
- はい。喜んで。Yes, with pleasure.This sentence shows how to use はい to express pleasure.Tatoeba #9994238 by small_snow, translation #2130380 by AlanF_US
- うん。欲しい！Yes, I want it!This sentence shows how to use うん to express desire.Tatoeba #11795631 by small_snow, translation #10743205 by ddnktr
- 193 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is asking Misaki if she is ready for the meeting.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、準備はいいですか？Misaki-san, junbi wa ii desu ka?Misaki, are you ready?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大丈夫です。Hai, daijoubu desu.Yes, I am fine.
- 健太 Kentaでは、始めましょうか？Dewa, hajimemashou ka?Then, shall we begin?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries はい, ええ, うん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries うん, ええ, はい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
