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:

彼はいつも髪を弄る。

Kare wa itsumo kami o ijiru

He is always touching his hair.

He always plays with his hair.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - Always
• 髪 (kami) - Hair
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 弄る (ijiru) - Play, move

彼はいつも私を揶揄う。

Kare wa itsumo watashi o yayau

He always teases me.

He always ridiculed me.

• 彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• いつも (itsumo) - adverb meaning "always"
• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates that "I" is the object of the action
• 揶揄う (yayau) - verb meaning "to mock" or "to ridicule"

彼女の憎らしい態度にはいつもイライラする。

Kanojo no nikurashii taido ni wa itsumo iraira suru

I always get frustrated with your hated attitude.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 憎らしい (nikurashii) - odious, detestable
• 態度 (taido) - attitude, behavior
• には (ni wa) - particle indicating emphasis
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• イライラする (iraira suru) - get irritated, frustrated

彼女はいつも私を労ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi o itawatte kureru

She always takes care of me.

She always works for me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 労ってくれる (tsutomete kureru) - The verb that means "to take care of" or "to be concerned about" in Japanese is 世話する (せわする, sewa suru).

彼女はいつも着飾るのが好きです。

Kanojo wa itsumo kikazaru no ga suki desu

She always likes to dress up.

She always likes to dress up.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 着飾る - "to dress oneself" in Japanese
• の - nominal particle in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 好き - "like" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese

彼女はいつも私の側に添ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi no soba ni sotte kureru

She always stays by my side.

She always accompanies me.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 私の - "my" in Japanese
• 側に - "next to" in Japanese
• 添ってくれる - "accompanies" in Japanese, with the verb in the form "te-form" and the suffix "kureru" indicating that it is something done for the benefit of the speaker

彼女の言葉にはいつも下心がある。

Kanojo no kotoba ni wa itsumo shitagokoro ga aru

Your words always have a heart.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 言葉 - words
• には - have
• いつも - always
• 下心 - ulterior motives
• が - there are
• ある - Gifts

彼女はいつもトラブルに絡まっている。

Kanojo wa itsumo toraburu ni karamatte iru

She is always in trouble.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• いつも - always
• トラブル - problem, difficulty
• に - target particle
• 絡まっている - to be involved, to be tangled

彼女はいつも会話に突っ込みを入れる。

Kanojo wa itsumo kaiwa ni tsukkomi o ireru

She always makes a critical remark during the conversation.

She always rushes into the conversation.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• いつも - always
• 会話 - conversation
• に - target particle
• 突っ込み - intervention, comment
• を - direct object particle
• 入れる - put, add

悪者はいつか報いを受ける。

Warumono wa itsuka mukui o ukeru

The bad guys will pay off someday.

• 悪者 (warumono) - It means "villain" or "evil person"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• いつか (itsuka) - It means "someday" or "at some point".
• 報い (mukui) - It means "reward" or "punishment"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 受ける (ukeru) - It means "receive" or "suffer"