Part 6 · Reading real Japanese · Lesson 58
Asking why, and saying yes and no
なぜ, なんで and どうして compared; how to answer 'because'; and the words for yes and no (はい, ええ, うん, いいえ, ううん, いや) with the small reaction sounds that make up half of real conversation.
Three ways to say "why"
| Word | Feel | Where you hear it |
|---|---|---|
| なぜ | neutral, a little formal, bookish | writing, speeches, serious questions |
| どうして | neutral to soft, can sound sympathetic | everyday speech, both polite and casual |
| なんで | casual, can sound blunt | friends, family, anime |
All three attach to a full sentence, usually ending in の or んですか because you are asking for an explanation (see the lesson on のだ).
どうして can mean "how come"
どうして often carries surprise or worry rather than a clean request for a reason:
When someone says どうして？ with a soft voice, they may be concerned. When someone says なんで！ sharply, they may be annoyed. Tone does the work.
なんで has a second meaning
何で can also mean "by what means" (the particle で plus 何): 何で行く？ is "How will you go?". The two are told apart by context, and in writing by the kanji: 何で (なにで) means "by what", while "why" is usually written in kana, なんで.
Answering "why"
The answer usually ends in から or ので, or in のです (see the next lesson). The question's なぜ is not repeated.
In a written argument, the reason sometimes comes after なぜなら (because; see the conjunctions lesson): 行かない。なぜなら、時間がないからだ。
Yes and no
English asks you to say yes or no to the question. Japanese answers say whether the statement is right. This matters most with negative questions, which you met earlier.
| Word | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|
| はい | yes; "I'm listening"; present! | polite, standard |
| ええ | yes (a softer, spoken はい) | polite, relaxed |
| うん | yes | casual |
| そう / そうです | that's right | any |
| いいえ | no | polite, standard |
| いえ | no, not at all (modest denial) | polite, to compliments or thanks |
| ううん | no | casual |
| いや | no; wait, hmm | casual; also a hesitation |
はい does not always mean yes
はい also means "I hear you" or "I understand". When a boss gives instructions and you say はい, you are saying "understood", not "I agree". A listener who keeps saying はい, はい while you talk is following you, nothing more.
いいえ is stronger than you think
いいえ is a firm "no", and Japanese speakers soften refusals. You will hear more of:
- ちょっと… (that's a bit... of a problem)
- 難しいですね (that's difficult)
- 考えておきます (I'll think about it, usually no)
- 結構です (no thank you; also "that's fine/good", so tone and context decide)
いや is two words
いや (casual no) is also a filler like "well..." or "no, hold on". In a fast conversation, いや、でも can start a sentence with no actual refusal, just a pause.
Reaction sounds (あいづち)
Japanese conversation needs constant small signals that you are listening. They are called あいづち, and they are as much a part of grammar as particles.
| Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|
| うん / ええ / はい | I'm listening; yes |
| そうですね / そうだね | that's right; I agree |
| そうなんだ / そうなんですか | oh I see (new information) |
| なるほど | I see; that makes sense |
| へえ | oh? (surprise or interest) |
| ふうん / ふーん | hm (neutral, can sound uninterested) |
| ほんと / 本当？ | really? |
| まじで | seriously? (casual) |
| えっ | what? (surprise) |
If you do not use あいづち when someone speaks to you in Japanese, the speaker may think you are not following or are bored. If you hear a lot of うん and ええ in a recording, that is not people being redundant. It is the rhythm.
Longer sentences
A conversation of asking why, answering, and the あいづち that keep it moving.
Key points
- なぜ (formal), どうして (everyday), なんで (casual). All usually end in の/んですか.
- 何で can mean "by what means".
- Answers to "why" end in から / ので / のです.
- はい / ええ / うん = yes; いいえ / ううん / いや = no. Answers agree with the statement, not the question form.
- はい can mean "I understand", not "I agree".
- あいづち (うん, なるほど, へえ) are part of every conversation.
Drill these patterns
Short example sentences for the points in this lesson: