How to Say “Yes” and “No” in Japanese: Hai and Iie

Learning how to say “yes” and “no” in Japanese is crucial for beginners.
In this quick lesson, you’ll learn the polite and natural way to answer simple questions in Japanese using:

• はい、そうです。 (“Yes, that’s right.”)
• いいえ、違います。 (“No, that’s wrong.”)
  Mastering these two phrases will help you communicate clearly and respectfully from your very first conversation.

What Does “Hai, Sou desu” Mean in Japanese?

はい、そうです。(Hai, Sou desu.)

This means:
“Yes, that’s right.” / “Yes, it is.”

Understanding “Hai, Soudesu” – Polite Positive Responses

• はい = yes
• そうです = that is so / that’s correct
  Use this to politely confirm a question like “Is this a book?” or “Are you Emily?”

What Does “Iie, Chigaimasu” Mean in Japanese?

いいえ、違います。(Iie, Chigaimasu.)

This means:
“No, that’s wrong.” / “No, it isn’t.”

Understanding “Iie, Chigaimasu” – Polite Negative Responses

• いいえ = no
• 違います = that is different / that’s incorrect (polite way to say “no”)
  Use this to politely deny something without sounding rude.

Example Conversations Using “Hai” and “Iie”

Yes, that’s right.

あなたはエミリーですか？
あなたはえみりーですか？
Anata wa Emiri desu ka?
As for you, are you Emily?

Answer:
はい、そうです。
はい、そうです。
Hai, sou desu.
Yes, that’s right.

ジョンさんは先生ですか？
じょんさんはせんせいですか？
Jon-san wa sensei desu ka?
As for Mr. John, is he a teacher?

Answer:
はい、そうです。
はい、そうです。
Hai, sou desu.
Yes, he is.

No, that’s incorrect.

これは辞書ですか？
これはじしょですか？
Kore wa jisho desu ka?
As for this, is it a dictionary?

Answer:
いいえ、違います。
いいえ、ちがいます。
Iie, chigaimasu.
No, that’s incorrect.

あれは学校ですか？
あれはがっこうですか？
Are wa gakkou desu ka?
As for that, is it a school?

Answer:
いいえ、違います。
いいえ、ちがいます。
Iie, chigaimasu.
No, it is not.

Meeting a new friend in class

Teacher

これはペンですか？
Kore wa pen desu ka?

As for this, is it a pen?

Student

はい、そうです。
Hai, Soud desu.

Yes, it is.

Teacher

これはあなたのですか？
Kore wa anata no desu ka?

As for this, is it yours?

Student

いいえ、ちがいます。
Iie, Chigaimasu.

No, it isn’t.

This shows both direct and polite use of “Hai” and “Iie” in real conversation.

Essential Vocabulary for Affirmative and Negative Responses

Here are the key Japanese words used in this lesson:

• はい：はい (hai)：yes
• いいえ：いいえ (iie)：no
• そうです：そうです (sou desu)：that’s right / that’s so
• 違います：ちがいます (chigaimasu)：that’s wrong / that’s incorrect (polite)

📝 Why Mastering “Hai” and “Iie” Is Important for Beginners

These polite response phrases are used daily in Japanese conversation.
They help you sound natural and respectful, especially when answering “〜ですか？” questions.
Whether you’re in a classroom, a shop, or talking with new friends, these phrases will help you feel confident in saying “yes” or “no” correctly.