はい
はい
interjection
yes, here (in response)
1.
yes
An affirmative response indicating agreement or acknowledgment.
2.
here (when called)
A response when one's name is called, indicating presence.
「田中さん。」「はい。」
"Tanaka-san." "Here."
3.
okay, all right
Used to signal that one has heard and understood, or to get attention.
はい、分かりました。
Okay, I understand.
はい、皆さん、注目してください。
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)
- 「行かないの？」「はい。」 = "You're not going?" "That's right (I'm not going)."
CONTRAST:
- はい - formal/standard "yes"
- ええ - softer, slightly casual "yes"
- うん - casual/informal "yeah"
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- はい、そうです (Yes, that's right)
- はい、分かりました (Yes, I understand)
- はい、どうぞ (Yes, please go ahead / Here you are)