Translation and Meaning of: はい - hai

The Japanese word はい[はい] is one of the first that language students learn, but its simplicity hides interesting nuances. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and even cultural curiosities that make this expression unique. If you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this word so much or how it differs from other similar terms, keep reading to find out.

In addition to being a common way to say "yes," はい carries an important social function in Japanese communication. Let's analyze how it is used in different contexts, from informal conversations to more formal situations. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides valuable details about this word, and we will break them down here clearly and practically.

Meaning and use of はい in daily life

Yes is often translated as "yes," but its meaning goes beyond a simple affirmation. In Japan, this word is also used to demonstrate that you are paying attention in the conversation, functioning as a verbal nod. In formal situations, such as business meetings or customer service, はい is almost obligatory to show respect and engagement.

An interesting detail is that はい can be used even when the person does not fully agree with what is being said. In these cases, it serves more as an acknowledgment of what has been said rather than a full agreement. This subtlety often confuses foreigners, but it is an essential part of polite communication in Japan.

Differences between はい and other forms of affirmation

While はい is the standard way to say "yes," there are other variations that depend on context and the level of formality. For example, ええ[ええ] is a more casual alternative, mainly used in conversations among friends or family. On the other hand, うん[うん] is even more informal, commonly found in relaxed dialogues between close people.

It is worth noting that はい is the safest option for those learning Japanese, as it can be used in practically any situation without sounding rude. The other forms, while correct, require a certain mastery of the language to be used appropriately. This hierarchy of formality is a fascinating aspect of the Japanese language.

Cultural curiosities about はい

In Japanese corporate culture, はい is more than just a word – it's almost a conditioned reflex. Employees often respond with はい immediately when called by superiors, demonstrating readiness and willingness. This habit is so ingrained that many Japanese continue to use はい automatically even in informal contexts.

A useful tip for remembering the correct use of はい is to associate it with situations of education and attentiveness. Think of it as a "yes, I am listening" rather than just "yes." This mindset helps understand why the Japanese repeat it so often during conversations. Observing everyday scenes in Japanese dramas or animes can also be a great way to absorb the natural use of this expression.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• うん (un) - Yes, used in informal conversations.
• そうです (sō desu) - Yes, that (formal).
• はい、そうです (hai, sō desu) - Yes, that's it (the full form).
• はい、はい (hai, hai) - Yes, yes (affirmation or agreement).
• ええ (ee) - Yes, used informally, similar to "hãn" or "yes".
• そうだ (sō da) - That's true (informal).
• そうですね (sō desu ne) - It's true, isn't it? (used to confirm).
• はい、わかりました (hai, wakarimashita) - Yes, I understand.
• 了解 (ryōkai) - I understand, I accept (informal).
• オーケー (ōkē) - Okay, I accept (informal and Western).

はい

Romaji: hai
Kana: はい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: yea

Meaning in English: yes

Definition: Yes: Accept, take advantage.

Example Sentences - (はい) hai

See below some example sentences:

彼はいつも私を冷やかす。

Kare wa itsumo watashi o hiyakasu

He always makes fun of me.

He always creeps me out.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - topic particle, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• いつも - adverb meaning "always"
• 私を - pronoun meaning "me", followed by the object particle "を", indicating that "me" is the object of the action
• 冷やかす - verb meaning "to mock" or "to ridicule"

延いてはいけません。

Nobuite wa ikemasen

It should not be postponed.

Don't extend.

• 延いて - verb 延びる (nobiru) in gerund
• は - Topic marking particle
• いけません - verb 行けない (ikenai) in the negative form

Translation - "It is not permitted to extend (something)."

始めはいつも緊張するものです。

Hajime wa itsumo kinchou suru mono desu

Start always causes nervousness.

I'm always nervous at first.

• 始めは (hajime wa) - começo/começar
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• 緊張する (kinchou suru) - get nervous/tension
• ものです (mon desu) - It is something that happens/is common.

先輩にはいつも感謝しています。

Senpai ni wa itsumo kansha shiteimasu

I am always grateful to my elderly.

I am always grateful to my elderly.

• 先輩 (senpai) - a Japanese term that refers to someone who is older or more experienced in a certain field
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the recipient of the action
• は (wa) - a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - a Japanese word meaning "always"
• 感謝 (kansha) - a Japanese word meaning "gratitude"
• しています (shiteimasu) - a polite form of the Japanese verb "suru" meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

今日はいい天気ですね。

Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne

Today is a good time

It's nice weather today, isn't that it.

• 今日 - today
• は - Topic particle
• いい - good
• 天気 - time weather
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - confirmation or agreement-seeking particle

人生はいつか絶える。

Jinsei wa itsuka taeru

Life one day ends.

Life will end someday.

• 人生 (jinsei) - Life
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いつか (itsuka) - someday
• 絶える (taeru) - finish, end

オートバイは速くて楽しい乗り物です。

Ootobai wa hayakute tanoshii norimono desu

The motorcycle is a quick and fun vehicle.

The motorcycle is a quick and fun vehicle.

• オートバイ (ootobai) - motorcycle
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 速くて (hayakute) - fast and
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - fun
• 乗り物 (norimono) - vehicle
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

合計はいくらですか？

Goukei wa ikura desu ka?

What is the total?

How much is the total?

• Input - - - indicates that the following sentence is a data entry.
• 合計 - - - means "total" in Japanese.
• は - - - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "total".
• いくら - - - means "how much" in Japanese.
• です - - - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.
• か - - - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question.
• Output - - - indicates that the following sentence is a data output.

イエスは「はい」という意味です。

Iesu wa "hai" to iu imi desu

Hai means "yes".

• イエス - word in Japanese that means "yes" or "yes sir".
• は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 「 - character in Japanese that indicates the beginning of a direct quote.
• はい - The word in Japanese that means "yes".
• 」 - character in Japanese that indicates the end of a direct quotation.
• という - expression in Japanese that means "called" or "said as".
• 意味 - word in Japanese that means "meaning".
• です - verb in Japanese that indicates the current state of the sentence, equivalent to the verb "to be" in Portuguese.

いけないことをしてはいけません。

Ikenai koto o shite wa ikemasen

Don't do anything you can't do.

• いけない - not allowed
• こと - thing
• を - object particle
• して - doing
• は - Topic particle
• いけません - should not be done