When used as an
Sometimes it's used as neutral filler speech to indicate you're listening. Sometimes it's used as a sign of acknowledgement. Sometimes it's used as a delineating device to indicate a change in topic. Sometimes it's used as a way of saying “here you go”.
The simplest and most straightforward way of saying yes in Japanese is はい hai. In a more formal style, one may also use は！
Why Do The Japanese Never Say No? In reality, the Japanese never truly say no, or instead, they say it without really saying it. The objective is to maintain harmony in a situation by not expressing yourself too directly to avoid offending or upsetting the speaker.
Moshi moshi, or もしもし, is a common Japanese phrase that Japanese people use when picking up the phone. It's a casual greeting used for friends and family, like a “hello”, but in fact means something entirely different! In English, it literally means something more like, “to say to say”, or “I speak I speak”.
To politely conclude your exchange with a client or supplier, the conventional expression is お世話になっております (o-sewa ni natte orimasu), “Thank you for your support, thank you for working with us.” You can also use this expression when answering the phone. Use “shitsurei shimasu” to politely conclude your conversation.
These all mean "I'm going to say (talk)." Eventually it was shortened to "moushi" (申し) and was used to catch somebody's attention, like saying "hey!" Technically, when you say "moshi moshi," you're politely saying "I'm going to talk" twice. But it feels more like, "Hey, dude."
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
Let's start by looking at the most basic word for “no.” In Japanese, the polite way to say “no” is “いいえ (Iie).” Regardless, いいえ (Iie) is still rarely used as a way to refuse, even in formal situations. It is the most straightforward, blunt way of doing it, while the casual way of saying “no” is いや (iya).
And why you shouldn't say no in Japanese
Just like in English (but even more so!), sometimes a flat out rejection can come across as harsh in Japanese. In Japanese culture, it's unusual to say a direct “no” to a request or offer, because it's impolite. And iie, in particular, can come across as rude.
Yes, they do! Arigatou on its own is a simple, somewhat casual “thank you.” That said, most people prefer doumo arigatou or arigatou gozaimasu as their standard way of saying thanks, because both of those phrases are more polite than arigatou on its own.
Wakarimashita / wakatta
Wakarimashita (分かりました / わかりました) is one of the best ways to say okay in Japanese.
How Do You Say “I'm Sorry” in Japanese? – ごめんなさい (Gomen Nasai) This is the standard way to say “sorry” in Japanese, and you can use it in most situations. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) is the polite way to say “I'm sorry,” but you can make it more casual, too.
Conflict avoidance is a huge motivator in Japanese communication. Due to this collective nature, hierarchy also plays a big role in shaping what can or can't be said. If someone more important, elder or senior is present in a group, many Japanese will stay silent out of respect and only talk if invited to.
"Neither Good nor Bad" The word maa maa まぁまぁ can be used to say something is or was "neither good nor bad," that it is "so-so." That it's honestly pretty mediocre, but passable nonetheless.
In Japanese, はい hai is similar to the English word "yes", while いいえ iie is similar to "no".
Are there swear words in Japanese? Technically there aren't really swear words as such in Japanese. Instead you'll find that most swear words in Japanese, or ways to swear in Japanese, are done by using more common words or phrases and adding a couple of words or changing the way you say them.
Baka (馬鹿 or ばか) is a Japanese swear or curse word meaning idiot, jackass, dumbass, or unthinking fool.
Your right to remain silent is guaranteed by the Constitution of Japan, however, in reality, it may reinforce the suspicion in the mind of the investigator and can be used as a reason for prolonging the detention.
In Japan, it is considered impolite to have a private conversation on a cell phone while others, especially strangers, are around to listen. This rule extends beyond trains, subways and buses. It is considered impolite to talk on the phone in just about any indoor public space.
Covering your mouth while laughing means not showing your obvious reactions, and keeping your emotions subtle and shy. This is considered graceful for ladies in Japan. Many Japanese women aim toward this ideal image and follow it as a social norm subconsciously without recognizing they've actually started this gesture.
Nodding: It is common for people to nod during conversation to indicate they are listening or as a sign of acknowledgement. Nodding is a gesture of politeness , and does not necessarily imply agreement.
Hai is the simple, direct word for “yes” and is commonly used in Japanese speech.
The verb is aisuru (愛する), to love. And to say I love you in Japanese, you would say aishiteru (愛してる). Aishiteru is a gender-neutral term. So, to say I love you to a man, you'd say aishiteru yo, and to a woman, aishiteru wa.