hai
1
9.9
A Japanese word used to mean yes or that you understand
- interjection
- /haɪ/
:
hai
Examples
-
Hai, hai.
-
"Hai, hai," she said, confirming her agreement with the plan.
-
When asked if he understood, he smiled and replied, "Hai!"
-
She looked at me and said, "Hai, I see what you mean."
Synonyms
∞
2.0
A short reply to show you are listening and understand
is used similarly but echoes Japanese speech and imitation
26
9.9
An informal exclamation used to show agreement
is used for agreement too but in a Japanese-quoting manner
24
9.9
A friendly word people say to show agreement
is used similarly but carries a Japanese-origin imitative tone
7
9.9
You say it to show agreement or acceptance
is similar but specifically imitates Japanese-style acknowledgement
6
8.5
To say this to show you strongly agree with an obvious or unpleasant point
is similar in agreement but is shorter and mimics Japanese speech
Compounds
Surface Forms
hai main
Etymology
Hai comes from Japanese and means 'yes' or 'I understand', so when people say hai they are agreeing or showing they heard you.