24 Japanese Ways to Say “Yes” and “No” – Essential Phrases Guide

Ever found yourself stuck trying to say “yes” or “no” in Japanese? It’s not just about the simple “hai” or “iie.”

Japanese has a rich variety of ways to agree or disagree, depending on the situation, formality, and even your mood. Learning these can make your conversations much more natural and fun!

Whether you’re chatting with friends, at work, or just trying to understand Japanese media better, knowing these phrases will really boost your confidence.

Plus, mastering these expressions helps you connect on a deeper level with Japanese speakers, showing respect and understanding of their culture.

With this guide, you’ll discover 24 handy ways to say “yes” and “no,” complete with pronunciation tips and practical examples.

Ready to add some flavor to your Japanese replies? Let’s dive in!

Why So Many Ways to Say “Yes” and “No”?

Japanese isn’t just about direct answers. It’s about nuance and respect.

Depending on who you’re talking to, how close you are, or the setting, your “yes” and “no” can change dramatically. This makes learning multiple expressions super useful.

It’s kind of like having different “yes” and “no” buttons for different moods and moments.

Sometimes, starting with a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

With a few phrases in your pocket, you’ll sound more natural and feel more comfortable speaking.

Plus, it’s fun to see how a simple “yes” or “no” can carry so much personality!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. はい (Hai) – “Yes”

The most basic and common way to say “yes” in Japanese is はい (Hai, pronounced “hi”).

It’s straightforward and polite, making it perfect for both casual and formal situations. Just remember, it literally means “yes,” so it’s an easy go-to.

Using はい helps you sound polite without being too formal.

It’s your trusty “yes” that works everywhere.

If you want to be more casual, you might sometimes hear うん (Un), but more on that later.

Learning はい first sets a solid foundation for your Japanese conversations.

2. うん (Un) – Casual “Yeah”

Use うん (Un, pronounced “oon”) to say “yeah” casually among friends.

It’s short, simple, and super common in daily conversation. You can practice by saying it when you agree with a friend’s suggestion or opinion.

Just remember, this is not for formal settings.

A common mistake is using うん in business or formal talks, which can sound rude.

For example, if a friend asks, “Want to grab lunch?” you can respond with “うん、いいよ” (Un, ii yo) meaning “Yeah, sounds good.”

It’s a great way to sound natural and friendly in casual chats.

3. いいよ (Ii yo) – “Sure” or “It’s okay”

いいよ (Ii yo, “ee yoh”) means “sure” or “it’s okay” and is often used to agree casually.

It’s easy to remember because いい (ii) means “good,” and adding よ (yo) makes it friendly and informal.

It’s perfect when you want to say “yes” but in a laid-back way.

Keep in mind, it’s not for formal conversations.

For example, if someone asks, “Can I borrow your pen?” you can say “いいよ” to mean “Sure.”

This phrase adds warmth and friendliness to your “yes” replies.

4. そうだね (Sou da ne) – “That’s right”/“Yeah”

そうだね (Sou da ne, “soh dah neh”) literally means “That’s right,” often used to agree in a casual chat.

It’s like saying “Yeah, I agree” or “Exactly” in English.

This is great for showing you’re listening and agreeing without a direct “yes.”

It’s very common in everyday conversation.

Don’t confuse it with そうですね (Sou desu ne), which is more polite.

Using そうだね helps you sound like a native speaker in casual talks.

5. いいね (Ii ne) – “Sounds good”/“I like it”

いいね (Ii ne, “ee neh”) means “Sounds good” or “I like it.”

It’s a casual way to agree and show enthusiasm.

Think of it as giving a positive “yes” with a bit of excitement.

It’s great for responding to suggestions or ideas among friends.

For example, if someone says, “Let’s watch a movie,” replying with いいね shows you’re on board.

This phrase adds a friendly and upbeat vibe to your agreement.

6. もちろん (Mochiron) – “Of course”

もちろん (Mochiron, “mo-chee-ron”) means “of course” and is a strong affirmative answer.

It’s polite but can be used casually too, making it versatile.

It shows certainty and willingness.

It’s better than a plain “yes” when you want to emphasize agreement.

For example, if asked “Will you help me?” replying with もちろん means “Absolutely!”

Using もちろん makes your “yes” sound enthusiastic and dependable.

7. だめ (Dame) – “No good”/“No” (casual)

だめ (Dame, “dah-meh”) means “no good” or “no” in a casual way.

It’s often used to say something isn’t allowed or isn’t okay.

It’s a simple way to say “no” but with a softer tone than a blunt refusal.

Be careful not to use it too harshly in sensitive situations.

For instance, if asked “Can I eat this?” and it’s not allowed, replying “だめ” is a gentle “no.”

It’s practical for everyday refusals among friends or family.

8. いや (Iya) – “No” (casual, sometimes strong)

いや (Iya, “ee-yah”) is a casual way to say “no,” often with a stronger or more emotional tone.

It’s used mostly in informal settings and can sound a bit blunt or emphatic.

Great for expressing dislike or refusal clearly.

Watch out not to sound rude if used with strangers or in formal situations.

For example, if offered something you don’t want, saying “いや” shows a firm “no.”

Use it wisely to keep conversations comfortable.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. いいえ (Iie) – Polite “No”

いいえ (Iie, “ee-eh”) is the polite and straightforward way to say “no.”

It’s perfect for formal conversations, work, or when you want to be respectful.

Unlike “いや,” いいえ is neutral and less emotional.

One mistake is using it too often in casual talk, which might sound stiff.

For example, when politely declining an offer, “いいえ、結構です” (Iie, kekkou desu) means “No, thank you.”

Mastering いいえ helps you navigate formal Japanese smoothly.

10. 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita) – “Understood”/“Yes, I agree”

承知しました (Shouchi shimashita, “shoh-chee shee-mah-shi-tah”) literally means “I have acknowledged” and is a very polite way to say “yes” or “understood.”

It’s commonly used in business or formal settings.

It shows respect and clarity in your agreement or understanding.

A common error is using it in casual conversations, which can feel too stiff.

Example: When your boss gives instructions, replying “承知しました” confirms you got it.

This phrase is your go-to for professional yes replies.

11. はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu) – “Yes, that’s right”

はい、そうです (Hai, sou desu, “hi soh dess”) means “Yes, that’s right.”

It’s polite and clear, perfect for confirming facts or answers.

Great for both formal and semi-formal situations.

Don’t shorten it too much in formal talks, as it loses politeness.

Example: When asked “Is this your pen?” you can say “はい、そうです.”

This phrase keeps your agreement clear and respectful.

12. 結構です (Kekkou desu) – Polite “No, thank you”

結構です (Kekkou desu, “keh-koh dess”) means “No, thank you” in a polite way.

It’s often used to refuse offers gracefully.

Make sure to say it with a gentle tone to sound kind.

A common mistake is using it abruptly, which can come off as rude.

Example: When offered more tea, replying “結構です” politely declines.

It’s a valuable phrase for polite refusals.

13. かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita) – “Certainly”/“Understood”

かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita, “kah-shee-koh-mah-ree-mah-shee-tah”) is a very formal “Certainly” or “Understood.”

It’s used in customer service, business, or very polite contexts.

It shows extreme respect and attentiveness.

Not for casual or everyday use.

Example: When a customer requests something, staff reply “かしこまりました.”

Using this phrase elevates your formal Japanese.

14. そうですね (Sou desu ne) – Polite “That’s right”

そうですね (Sou desu ne, “soh dess neh”) means “That’s right” or “Let me see” politely.

It’s often used to agree or thoughtfully respond.

It softens your agreement and is very common in polite talk.

A common error is using そうだね in formal contexts instead.

Example: When agreeing politely, say “そうですね” instead of just “はい.”

This phrase adds warmth and respect to your replies.

15. はい、結構です (Hai, kekkou desu) – “Yes, that’s fine”

はい、結構です (Hai, kekkou desu, “hi keh-koh dess”) means “Yes, that’s fine.”

It’s polite and used to accept offers or suggestions.

It combines a polite yes with a gentle approval.

Be careful not to confuse 結構です alone as a refusal.

Example: When asked if a time works for you, respond “はい、結構です.”

This phrase makes your acceptance sound respectful and clear.

16. 違います (Chigaimasu) – Polite “No, that’s not right”

違います (Chigaimasu, “chee-gai-mahss”) means “No, that’s not right” politely.

It’s useful when correcting or disagreeing respectfully.

Good for formal and semi-formal conversations.

Avoid sounding too blunt by softening your tone.

Example: If someone guesses wrong, say “違います” gently.

This helps you say “no” without offending.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. うんうん (Un un) – Casual “Yeah, yeah”

うんうん (Un un, “oon oon”) is a casual way to say “yeah, yeah” with enthusiasm.

It shows strong agreement and active listening.

Perfect for informal chats with close friends.

Don’t use it in formal or unfamiliar settings.

Example: When a friend tells a story, responding “うんうん” shows you’re engaged.

This phrase makes your “yes” sound lively and natural.

18. そうそう (Sou sou) – “That’s right, exactly”

そうそう (Sou sou, “soh soh”) adds emphasis to agreement, like “Exactly!” or “That’s right!”

It’s casual and friendly, used often in conversations.

It’s a quick way to show you’re on the same page.

Avoid in formal situations.

Example: When a friend guesses your favorite food, “そうそう” confirms it enthusiastically.

Using そうそう adds natural energy to your yes.

19. いいよね (Ii yo ne) – “That’s nice, right?”

いいよね (Ii yo ne, “ee yoh neh”) is a casual, friendly phrase meaning “That’s nice, right?” or “I agree, it’s good.”

It’s great for bonding over shared opinions.

Use it among friends or peers.

Be careful not to sound passive-aggressive by matching your tone.

Example: Commenting on a good movie, say “いいよね” to agree warmly.

This phrase helps you sound natural and approachable.

20. まじで？ (Majide?) – “Really?” (casual agreement or surprise)

まじで？ (Majide?, “mah-jee deh?”) literally means “Seriously?” but can express casual agreement or surprise.

It’s used mostly among young people.

It shows excitement or disbelief.

Avoid using it in formal or older company.

Example: If a friend says something surprising, you might respond “まじで？”

This keeps your replies lively and fun.

21. いいっすよ (Ii ssu yo) – Super casual “It’s good”

いいっすよ (Ii ssu yo, “ee ss-yo”) is a very casual way to say “It’s good” or “Sure.”

It’s often used by young people or in informal settings.

It’s a slangy version of いいですよ (Ii desu yo).

Don’t use it in professional or polite situations.

Example: When asked if you want to join, replying “いいっすよ” means “Yeah, sounds good.”

It’s perfect for sounding relaxed and native-like.

22. いやだ (Iyada) – “No way”/“I don’t want to”

いやだ (Iyada, “ee-yah-dah”) means “No way” or “I don’t want to” in a casual, sometimes playful way.

It expresses dislike or refusal clearly.

It’s often heard in everyday conversations or among close friends.

Avoid using it formally as it can sound childish or rude.

Example: If asked to do something unpleasant, you might say “いやだ.”

This phrase is handy for honest but casual refusals.

23. うんざり (Unzari) – “Fed up”/Negative agreement

うんざり (Unzari, “oon-zah-ree”) means “fed up” or “tired of” something, often implying a negative “no.”

It’s used to express frustration or dislike.

It’s casual and conveys strong feelings.

Not suitable for polite conversation.

Example: When annoyed with a repeated request, saying “うんざりだよ” means “I’m fed up.”

It adds emotional depth to your refusals.

24. まあね (Maa ne) – “Well, yeah” (reluctant agreement)

まあね (Maa ne, “mah neh”) is a casual phrase meaning “Well, yeah” or reluctant agreement.

It’s perfect when you agree but with some hesitation.

It makes your yes sound nuanced and real.

Don’t use it in formal contexts.

Example: When asked if you like something but you’re not sure, reply “まあね.”

This phrase helps you sound more native and expressive.

Concluding Thought

Exploring the many ways to say “yes” and “no” in Japanese opens up a world of expression beyond simple words.

Each phrase carries its own nuance, showing respect, emotion, or casual friendliness that makes your conversations richer.

Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll feel natural, confident, and ready to respond perfectly in any Japanese setting!