はい、そうです
hai, sou desu
The English phrase "yes, that's right" is expressed in Japanese as はい、そうです (hai, sou desu).
This phrase is used to confirm that a statement or piece of information is correct.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of はい (yes), そう (so/that way) and です (is/to be).
Which one should you use?
While はい、そうです is a standard way to confirm information, you can use はい、その通りです to be more emphatic, meaning "yes, exactly/precisely". For casual agreement, you might use そうだね or うん、そうだ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts, そうです is a standard way to express agreement. If you wish to be more emphatic and formal, use はい、その通りです. For informal situations, such as speaking with friends or people of lower social status, you can use the casual versions そうだね or うん、そうだ.
How do you pronounce it?
hai, sou desu
Did you know?
- While はい (hai) is translated as 'yes', it often confirms that the speaker has heard and understood the other person, even if they actually disagree with the statement. A Japanese person might say はい before explaining why the answer is actually 'no'.
- In very formal or humble Japanese, the phrase そうです is often replaced by さようでございます (sayou de gozaimasu). This version uses an archaic form of the word 'so' to show extreme respect to the person being agreed with.
- The word そう (sou) is a remnant of an ancient Japanese system of 'demonstratives' that pointed to things not physically present. It specifically refers to something the listener just mentioned, rather than something the speaker can see or touch.
Examples in context
- 田中さんのお誕生日は明日ですか？
はい、そうです。Is Mr. Tanaka's birthday tomorrow?
Yes, that's right. - そのレポートを明日までに提出してください。
かしこまりました。Please submit that report by tomorrow.
Certainly/Understood. - このレストランの料理はおいしいよ。
そうだね、本当に美味しい。The food at this restaurant is delicious, you know?
Yes, that's right, it's really tasty. - 今日は映画館に行くって言ったでしょう？
ああそう、すっかり忘れていました。Didn't you say you were going to the cinema today?
Oh, yeah, I completely forgot.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are confirming an appointment time.
- 美咲 Misaki明日は十時でいいですか？Ashita wa jū-ji de ii desu ka?Is ten o'clock tomorrow okay?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、そうです。Hai, sō desu.Yes, that's right.
- 美咲 Misaki分かりました。楽しみにしています。Wakarimashita. Tanoshimi ni shite imasu.I understand. I'm looking forward to it.
- 陽太 Yotaよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.I look forward to seeing you.
