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:

このアプリはインターネットに接続する必要があります。

Kono apuri wa intaanetto ni setsuzoku suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

This app must be connected to the internet.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• アプリ - abbreviation of "application", referring to software for mobile devices
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the application
• インターネット - global network of computers that allows communication and information sharing
• に - destination particle, indicating that the application needs to connect to the Internet
• 接続する - "Verb that means 'to connect'"
• 必要があります - expression that means "it is necessary", indicating that the Internet connection is mandatory

この商品の定価はいくらですか？

Kono shouhin no teika wa ikura desu ka?

What is the list price of this product?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - possession particle, indicating that the product is the object of the question
• 定価 - fixed price
• は - topic particle, indicating that the question refers to the fixed price of the product
• いくら - interrogative pronoun that means "how much"
• ですか - an expression that indicates a polite question, equivalent to "could you please tell me?"

この写真はインスタグラムに載るべきだ。

Kono shashin wa insutaguramu ni noru beki da

This photo should be posted on Instagram.

This photo should be on Instagram.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 写真 - noun meaning "photo"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• インスタグラム - noun meaning "Instagram"
• に - particle indicating where something is being posted
• 載る - verb meaning "to be posted"
• べき - Suffix indicating obligation or duty
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating affirmative

この作品はいつ仕上がるのですか？

Kono sakuhin wa itsu shiagaru no desu ka?

When will this work be ready?

When will this work end?

• この作品 - This work
• は - Topic particle
• いつ - When
• 仕上がる - It will be completed
• の - Noun particle
• ですか - é?

この商品の金額はいくらですか？

Kono shouhin no kingaku wa ikura desu ka?

What is the value of this product?

How much is this product?

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 金額 - Price
• は - Topic particle
• いくら - How much
• ですか - Is (interrogative particle)

この駅はいつも混雑しています。

Kono eki wa itsumo konzatsu shiteimasu

This station is always crowded.

• この駅 - This station
• は - Topic particle
• いつも - Always
• 混雑 - Crowd, gathering
• しています - It's running

パイプを使って水を流しましょう。

Paipu wo tsukatte mizu wo nagashimashou

Let's use a pipe to drain the water.

Let's use a pipe to wash the water.

• パイプ - tube
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 水 - water
• を - direct object particle
• 流しましょう - let's drain / let the water run

人気がある店はいつも混んでいます。

Ninki ga aru mise wa itsumo konde imasu

Popular stores are always crowded.

Popular stores are always crowded.

• 人気がある - popular
• 店 - store
• は - marcador de tópico
• いつも - always
• 混んでいます - crowded

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 (kyou) - today
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いい (ii) - good
• 天気 (tenki) - time weather
• です (desu) - Verb to be
• ね (ne) - confirmation particle

始まりはいつも緊張します。

Hajimari wa itsumo kinchou shimasu

The beginning always makes me nervous.

The beginning is always nervous.

• 始まり - Japanese word meaning "beginning"
• は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも - Japanese word meaning "always"
• 緊張します - Word in Japanese that means "to be nervous"