はい

はい
interjection
yes, here (in response)
politeexpression
1. yes
An affirmative response indicating agreement or acknowledgment.
「レシートは要(い)りますか。」「はい、お願(ねが)いします。」
"Do you need a receipt?" "Yes, please."
回答者(かいとうしゃ)の80%が「はい」と答(こた)えた。
80% of respondents answered 'yes.'
2. here (when called)
A response when one's name is called, indicating presence.
「田中(たなか)さん。」「はい。」
"Tanaka-san." "Here."
3. okay, all right
Used to signal that one has heard and understood, or to get attention.
はい、分(わ)かりました。
Okay, I understand.
はい、皆(みな)さん、注目(ちゅうもく)してください。
Okay everyone, please pay attention.

はい is the standard affirmative response in Japanese.

Usage

  • As "yes": Affirms a statement or question
  • As "here": Response when name is called (roll call, etc.)
  • As attention-getter: Similar to "okay" or "all right"

Important notes

  • はい does NOT mean the speaker agrees with an opinion—it indicates the speaker heard and understood
  • In response to negative questions, はい confirms the negative (opposite of English)
  • 「行(い)かないの？」「はい。」 = "You're not going?" "That's right (I'm not going)."

Similar words

  • はい - formal/standard "yes"
  • ええ - softer, slightly casual "yes"
  • うん - casual/informal "yeah"

Common expressions

Related Words

Antonym: いいえ (no)
Compare: ええ (softer, slightly casual "yes")
general
Added 2026.2.3 10:40 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
09500/09574_hai