はいはい
haihai
The English phrase "yes yes" is expressed in Japanese as はいはい (haihai).
はいはい is an informal way of showing that you are listening or that you already understand what the other person is saying. It is often used when a speaker wants to signal that they have already understood the information and do not need any further explanation.
Which one should you use?
While a single はい is a standard and polite way to say "yes", repeating it as はいはい changes the nuance to a more casual acknowledgment that can often sound impatient.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
はいはい is informal. Because of its casual nature, it can sound dismissive or impatient depending on the tone you use.
How do you pronounce it?
haihai
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using はいはい toward superiors or in formal settings, as it can be perceived as rude or condescending.
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the act of constantly nodding and saying はい during a conversation is called 'aizuchi'. These are not necessarily agreements, but signals that the listener is still paying attention.
- In Japanese, the word はい can be used to agree with a negative statement, effectively meaning 'yes, you are correct that I do not' rather than 'yes, I do'.
- While はい is the standard 'yes', Japanese has several other words for 'yes' that depend on whether you are agreeing with a positive statement or a negative one.
Examples in context
- はいはい、分かってるよ。hai hai, wakatteru yo.Yes yes, I know.
- はいはい、今やるから。hai hai, ima yaru kara.Yes yes, I'll do it now.
- はいはい、後で行くよ。hai hai, ato de iku yo.Yes yes, I'll go later.
Example conversation
A brother is being nagged by his sister to clean his room.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、早く部屋を片付けなさい。Ren, hayaku heya o katazukenasai.Ren, clean your room quickly.
- 蓮 Renはいはい、分かったよ。hai hai, wakatta yo.Yes yes, I got it.
- 結衣 Yui返事だけじゃなくて、本当にやってね。Henji dake janakute, hontō ni yatte ne.Don't just answer, actually do it.
- 蓮 Ren分かったって、結衣姉さん。Wakattatte, Yui neesan.I said I understand, Yui.
