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Yes; used to affirm or agree with a statement.
はい、ご注文をどうぞ。
Yes, may I take your order?
Commonly used in customer service and formal situations to show attentiveness.
Yes; used to answer a yes-no question affirmatively.
行きますか？ — はい、行きます。
Are you going? — Yes, I am going.
Can be pronounced with rising or falling intonation depending on certainty.
I'm listening; used to acknowledge someone is speaking.
はい、わかりました。
Yes, I understand.
Often used in conversations to show active listening, not necessarily agreement.
In Japan, service staff often say 'はい' repeatedly during interactions to show they are listening and responsive. This is a cultural norm and conveys respect and attentiveness.
Always use 'はい' instead of 'うん' when speaking formally or with strangers. It demonstrates proper etiquette and clear communication in professional or public settings.
Derived from older Japanese expression of acknowledgment. 'はい' originally evolved from the word 'はいり' (entry, acceptance), later shortened and repurposed as a polite affirmative.
はい is more polite than 'うん' and is preferred in formal contexts. In casual speech among friends, 'ええ' or 'うん' are more common. Repeating 'はい' multiple times can indicate attentiveness in service roles.