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:

料金はいくらですか？

Ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?

What is the price?

How much does this cost?

• 料金 - means "price" in Japanese.
• は - It is a topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "price".
• いくら - means "how much" in Japanese and is used to ask about the price of something.
• ですか - It is a polite way to ask in Japanese, equivalent to "is" or "are" in English.

最低な行為をしてはいけません。

Saitei na kōi o shite wa ikemasen

Don't make the worst act.

• 最低な - means "the worst" or "the lowest".
• 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• いけません - negative form of the verb "iku" meaning "to go". In this case, it is used to indicate that something should not be done.

核兵器は絶対に使用してはいけない。

Kaku heiki wa zettai ni shiyou shite wa ikenai

Never use nuclear weapons.

• 核兵器 - nuclear weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - absolutely
• 使用して - using
• はいけない - not allowed

洗濯物を干すのはいい運動になる。

Sentaku mono wo hosu no wa ii undou ni naru

Hanging clothes out to dry is good exercise.

Drying clothes is good exercise.

• 洗濯物 - clothes to wash
• を - object particle
• 干す - dry
• のは - Topic particle
• いい - good
• 運動 - exercise
• に - target particle
• なる - become

無能な人間はいない。

Munou na ningen wa inai

There is no human being without skills.

There is no incompetent person.

• 無能な - without skill, unable
• 人間 - Human being
• は - Topic particle
• いない - does not exist

私の心にはいつも幸せが浮かびます。

Watashi no kokoro ni wa itsumo shiawase ga ukabimasu

Happiness always comes to my heart.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two words
• 心 (kokoro) - Japanese noun meaning "heart" or "mind"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle indicating action or direction
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - Japanese adverb meaning "always"
• 幸せ (shiawase) - Japanese noun meaning "happiness"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 浮かびます (ukabimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to float" or "to come to mind" in the present tense and polite

私は料理にいろいろなスパイスを交ぜるのが好きです。

Watashi wa ryōri ni iroiro na supaisu o mazeru no ga suki desu

I like to mix multiple spices in my food.

I like to mix various cooking spices.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 料理 (ryouri) - Japanese noun meaning "cooking" or "culinary"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle indicating action or destination
• いろいろな (iroirona) - Japanese adjective that means "various" or "diverse"
• スパイス (supaisu) - Japanese noun meaning "seasoning" or "condiment"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 交ぜる (mazeru) - Japanese verb that means "mix" or "combine"
• の (no) - Japanese particle indicating possession or explanation
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - Japanese adjective that means "like" or "appreciate"
• です (desu) - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

私の通帳はいつも整理されています。

Watashi no tsūchō wa itsumo seiri sarete imasu

My notebook is always organized.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
• 通帳 (tsūchō) - bank registry book
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• 整理されています (seiri sarete imasu) - to be organized

私はバイオリンを演奏するのが好きです。

Watashi wa baiorin o ensou suru no ga suki desu

I like to play the violin.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• バイオリン (baiorin) - word in Japanese that means "violin"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 演奏する (ensousuru) - verb meaning "to play (an instrument)"
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the nominal subject function of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

私の親友はいつも私を支えてくれます。

Watashi no shinyuu wa itsumo watashi o sasaete kuremasu

My best friend always supports me.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle, indicating that "watashi" is the possessor
• 親友 (shin'yuu) - means "best friend" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicating that "shin'yuu" is the subject of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私を (watashi wo) - "wo" is a direct object particle, indicating that "watashi" is the object of the sentence
• 支えてくれます (sasaete kuremasu) - "sasaete" means "to support", "kuremasu" is a polite form of "kureru", which means "to do for someone". Together, they mean "to do for someone the act of supporting", indicating that "shin'yuu" always supports "watashi".