What it literally says

yes

Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.

The same thing, said differently

Japanese changes shape with the distance between the people speaking. These are the same meaning at other settings.

When to use it

Also means 'I am listening' — a Japanese speaker will say hai repeatedly while you talk without agreeing to anything.

Next in Yes, No and Understanding

• A little少しだけ
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか
• I don't speak Japanese日本語が話せません
• I don't understand分かりません
• I understand分かりました
• Really? / Is that so?そうですか

The rest of the phrasebook

• Greetings挨拶14
• Thanks and Politeness感謝13
• Apologies謝罪13
• Introductions自己紹介13
• Small Talk雑談13
• Numbers and Counting数14
• Time and Dates時間13
• Asking Directions道案内14
• Trains and Stations電車15
• Taxis and Busesタクシー13
• Hotels and Ryokan宿14
• Restaurants and Ordering食事16
• Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
• Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
• Money and Payment支払い13
• Temples and Sightseeing観光13
• Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
• Health and Pharmacy体調14
• Emergencies緊急14
• Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
• Phone and Internet通信12
• Weather and Seasons天気13
• Reactions and Compliments相づち13
• Goodbyes別れ13

All 337 phrases →