| They say Japanese are very polite people. Thank | | | | not exactly "Yes" all the time. In Japanese, "hai" is |
| you, I'm a Japanese. However, I don't know why | | | | also used as a signal that the listener is paying |
| they thank so. Because we're acting naturally, | | | | attention to the speaker. So in this case, "hai" is just |
| without any intention. Our behavior is embedded in | | | | a same implication as nodding, such as"Ah-ha, or I |
| our culture. or our culture is embedded in our lifestyle. | | | | see". However, Japanese often use Yes for the |
| Beside being polite, there are lots of mysterious | | | | translation of "Hai". English "yes" is more distinct |
| Japanese behaviors from your aspect. I'd like to | | | | meaning rather than "hai" in Japanese. |
| explain why they do so. | | | | Do Japanese understand my talk? |
| Why Japanese apologize so often? | | | | Japanese tend to be quiet while someone's talking. |
| Japanese often start their ceremony greeting with | | | | Japanese don't like interrupting someone's talk in a |
| apology. Displaying of modesty is considered a sign of | | | | mid way or they feel guilty if they do so. Likewise, |
| virtue, and thus opening conversation with apology | | | | they also don't like to be disturbed while they're |
| words prepare an amicable atmosphere and promote | | | | talking. They think interrupting someone's speech is |
| interaction. Saying "sumimasen" or "mooshiwake | | | | not showing respect to the person. |
| arimasen" are literally translated as "I'm sorry". | | | | Even they have a question, they tend to wait until |
| However, it's not admitting their fault. It's just a | | | | the speaker finishes their speech. Japanese are raised |
| process of getting to the main discussion topic. | | | | so by teachers and parents. So if you're a westerner, |
| Why Japanese say "yes" all the time? | | | | and found that your Japanese fellows are quiet in a |
| If you have learnt Japanese before, you learnt | | | | meeting, there is a higher chance that they're holding |
| Japanese "hai" means yes. However, Japanese "Hai"is | | | | their horses. (or just have no opinion... |