はい、そうです
hai, sou desu
はい、そうです (hai, sou desu) is the Japanese way to say "yes, it is".
This phrase is used to confirm a fact or a description provided by the speaker, rather than just answering a yes/no question about an object's existence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Yes, that is so", where sou means "so" or "that way".
Which one should you use?
While はい、そうです is a polite way to confirm a statement, un, sou da is the informal equivalent used with friends.
How do you pronounce it?
hai, sou desu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use hai, desu to mean "yes, it is", but sou is necessary to link the affirmation to the state described.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you can disagree with a statement by saying hai, chigaimasu, which literally translates to 'yes, it is different'. The hai acknowledges that the speaker has heard and understood the question, rather than confirming the fact itself.
- The concept of 'aizuchi' involves making frequent sounds like 'hai' or 'sou desu' while another person is speaking, even if you do not actually agree with their point. These sounds function as verbal nods to show you are listening.
- The word hai is a versatile tool that can mean 'yes', 'I'm here' during a roll call or 'here you go' when handing someone an object.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about a schedule at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren明日の会議は午後二時ですか？Ashita no kaigi wa gogo ni-ji desu ka?Is tomorrow's meeting at two in the afternoon?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、そうです。Hai, sou desu.Yes, it is.
- 蓮 Renわかりました。ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu.I understood. Thank you.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
