はい
hai[ha̠i]
The English phrase "yes, sir" is translated into Japanese as はい (hai).
はい is used to acknowledge that you have heard or understood a command or instruction, much like 'yes, sir' or 'yes, ma'am' in a professional context. はい、承知しました translates to "Yes, understood" and is used in formal situations when acknowledging orders or instructions from someone in authority. はい、わかりました means "Yes, I understand" and is a polite way to acknowledge or comply with a request from a superior.
How do you pronounce it?
hai
Did you know?
- If you use はい when someone asks a question with a negative premise, such as 'You aren't coming, right?', saying はい actually means 'Yes, you are right, I am not coming'.
- In martial arts like Karate or Judo, はい is shouted loudly and sharply to demonstrate spirit, focus and an immediate readiness to act.
- The word はい is sometimes thought to be related to the sound of a deep breath or a sharp, sudden shout used in the early 1600s, similar to the English 'hey'.
Examples in context
- はい、わかりました。Hai, wakarimashita.Yes, I understood.
- はい、その通りです。Hai, sono toori desu.Yes, that is correct.
Example conversation
A junior employee responding to a supervisor's instructions in an office.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、この資料をコピーしておいてください。Ren-san, kono shiryou o kopii shite oite kudasai.Ren, please make copies of these documents.
- 蓮 Renはい、すぐにやります。Hai, sugu ni yarimasu.Yes, I will do it immediately.
- 陽葵 Himari助かります、よろしくお願いします。Tasukarimasu, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.That helps, thank you.
- 蓮 Renはい、承知いたしました。Hai, shouchi itashimashita.Yes, certainly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry はい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries はい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
