Looking up...
はい
hai
yes
はい、わかります。
Yes, I understand.
informal
An affirmative response, meaning 'yes' or 'I agree'.
「明日も会える？」「はい、もちろんです。
'Can we meet tomorrow?' 'Yes, of course.'
Commonly used in casual and formal conversations to affirm something.
formal
A polite way to acknowledge someone's statement or request.
「お茶をいただけますか？」「はい、どうぞ。
'May I have some tea?' 'Yes, please go ahead.'
Often used in customer service or professional settings.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Politeness in Formal Settings
In formal contexts, 'はい' is often followed by additional polite phrases like 'はい、承知しました' (Yes, I understand) to show respect.
Gold Rule
Affirmative Response
'はい' is the standard way to say 'yes' in Japanese, but its tone and context can vary from casual to formal.
Word Origin
Derived from the affirmative particle 'はい' in Japanese, which is used to confirm or agree with something.
Usage Notes
Can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but tone and context determine its appropriateness. In formal settings, it is often followed by additional polite phrases.
Word Breakdown
はい
yes
root和英辞典