If you’ve ever wondered, “What is yes in Chinese?” you’re not alone.
Unlike English, where “yes” is a simple, universal term, Chinese has multiple ways to express agreement based on context, the verbs involved, and even tone.
This guide demystifies how to say “yes” in Chinese, covering Mandarin, Cantonese, FAQs, and practical examples to boost your conversational confidence.
How Do You Say Yes in Chinese?
1. Shì 是
The closest translation of “yes” in Chinese is “shì” (是, fourth tone). However, it is mostly used in formal settings or when answering questions that require a “true or false” response.
Example:
A: 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuéshēng ma?) – Are you a student?
B: 是。(Shì.) – Yes.
2. Hǎo 好
“Hǎo” (好, third tone) means “good” or “okay,” and it is frequently used to agree to requests, offers, or suggestions.
Example:
A: 你可以帮我吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?) – Can you help me?
B: 好。(Hǎo.) Yes, okay.
3. Duì 对
“Dui” (对) means “correct” and is commonly used to confirm a statement.
Example:
A: 这个词的意思是“书”吗？(Zhège cí de yìsi shì “shū” ma?) – Does this word mean “book”?
B: 对。(Duì.) – Yes, that’s right.
4. Hǎo de 好的
This phrase is a polite way to say yes and is often used in professional or service-related interactions. It conveys a sense of acknowledgment and agreement, making it common in formal conversations.
Example:
A: 你可以明天来吗？ (Nǐ kěyǐ míngtiān lái ma?) – Can you come tomorrow?
B: 好的。(Hǎo de.) – Sure.
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5. Hǎo ba 好吧
It is often used to reluctantly agree or give in to something.
Example:
A: 我们早点回家吧？(Wǒmen zǎodiǎn huí jiā ba?) Shall we go home early?
B: 好吧。(Hǎo ba.) Alright, fine.
6. Hǎo le 好了
It is used to confirm completion or agreement with finality.
Example:
A: 你修好电脑了吗？(Nǐ xiū hǎo diànnǎo le ma?) Have you fixed the computer?
B: 好了。(Hǎo le.) Yes, it’s done.
7. Tuǒ tuǒ de 妥妥的
It is a slang way to confirm something confidently.
Example:
A: 这个任务能按时完成吗？(Zhège rènwù néng ànshí wánchéng ma?) Can this task be completed on time?
B: 妥妥的。(Tuǒ tuǒ de.) Absolutely, no problem.
8. Kěyǐ 可以
Kěyǐ 可以 is often used to give permission or approval in a polite and direct way, making it a common response in everyday conversations.
Example:
A: 我可以用你的笔吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de bǐ ma?) Can I use your pen?
B: 可以。(Kěyǐ.) Yes, you can.
9. Kěyǐ le 可以了
This phrase is used to show that something is now acceptable or sufficient, often in response to whether an action or decision is complete.
Example:
A: 这道菜还要加盐吗？(Zhè dào cài hái yào jiā yán ma?) Does this dish need more salt?
B: 可以了。(Kěyǐ le.) No, it’s good now.
10. Kěyǐ a 可以啊
This phrase is a casual way to agree.
Example:
A: 我们明天一起去公园怎么样？(Wǒmen míngtiān yīqǐ qù gōngyuán zěnme yàng?) How about we go to the park tomorrow?
B: 可以啊。(Kěyǐ a.) Sure!
11. Xíng 行
This phrase is commonly used to agree with a request or statement in an informal setting.
Example:
A: 你可以帮我拿一下这个吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ná yīxià zhège ma?) Can you help me hold this?
B: 行。(Xíng.) Sure.
12. Chéng 成
This phrase is often used casually when agreeing with a statement or request in a relaxed conversation.
Example:
A: 你能明天来吗？(Nǐ néng míngtiān lái ma?) Can you come tomorrow?
B: 成。(Chéng.) No problem.
13. Ńg 嗯
This phrase is often used in informal conversations to casually confirm or acknowledge something.
Example:
A: 你听到了吗？(Nǐ tīngdàole ma?) Did you hear that?
B: 嗯。(Ńg.) Yes.
14. Dāngrán 当然
This phrase is used to confidently confirm something that is already expected or self-evident.
Example:
A: 你喜欢吃巧克力吗？(Nǐ xǐhuān chī qiǎokèlì ma?) Do you like chocolate?
B: 当然。(Dāngrán.) Of course!
15. Yǒu 有
This phrase is used to confirm that someone has something or that something exists in a given context.
Example:
A: 你有笔吗？(Nǐ yǒu bǐ ma?) Do you have a pen?
B: 有。(Yǒu.) Yes, I do.
16. Méi cuò 没错
This phrase is used to confirm that something is correct or to emphasize agreement with a statement.
Example:
A: 这个方法对吗？(Zhège fāngfǎ duì ma?) Is this method correct?
B: 没错。(Méi cuò.) Yes, that’s right.
17. Méi wèntí 没问题
This phrase is used when someone agrees to take on a task or wants to reassure another person that everything is fine.
Example:
A: 你能帮我搬家吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ bānjiā ma?) Can you help me move?
B: 没问题。(Méi wèntí.) No problem.
18. Méi guānxi 没关系
This phrase is used to reassure someone and let them know that there is no need to worry.
Example:
A: 对不起，我迟到了。(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídàole.) Sorry, I’m late.
B: 没关系。(Méi guānxi.) It’s okay, no worries.
19. Zhèngquè 正确
This phrase is often used in service-related interactions to politely confirm agreement or acknowledge correctness in a conversation.
Example:
A: 这个答案对吗？(Zhège dá’àn duì ma?) Is this answer correct?
B: 正确。(Zhèngquè.) Yes, that’s correct.
20. Xǐhuān 喜欢
This phrase is commonly used when someone wants to express their preference or agreement with something they enjoy.
Example:
A: 你喜欢《哪吒2》吗？(Do you like Nezha 2?)
B: 我喜欢。(Wǒ Xǐhuān.)
How to Say Yes, I Will in Chinese
When confirming future actions, it’s best to use huì (会) or wǒ kěyǐ (我可以), meaning “I will” or “I can.”
Example:
A: 你会参加会议吗？ (Nǐ huì cānjiā huìyì ma?) – Will you attend the meeting?
B: 会。(Huì.) – Yes, I will.
A: 你可以帮我拿这个吗？ (Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ná zhège ma?) – Can you help me hold this?
B: 我可以。(Wǒ kěyǐ.) – Yes, I can.
Yes in Chinese Cantonese
In Cantonese, agreement is also expressed differently depending on the context. The most common ways include:
- 係 (hai6) – Used similarly to 是 (shì) in Mandarin.
Example:
A: 你係老師嗎？(Nei5 hai6 lou5 si1 maa1?) Are you a teacher?
B: 係。(Hai6.) Yes.
- 得 (dak1) – Used when approving something or saying “okay.”
Example:
A: 我可以坐呢度嗎？(Ngóh hó yíh cho néih douh ma?) Can I sit here?
B: 得。(Dak1.) Yes, you can.
- 好啊 (hou2 a3) – A friendly way to say “yes.”
Example:
A: 我哋去公園好唔好？(Ngóh deih heui gūng yún hóu m̀ hóu?) Shall we go to the park?
B: 好啊！(Hou2 a3!) Yes, sounds great!
Common Scenarios: Using Yes Naturally
Accepting Invitations:
A: 一起去吃饭？(Yīqǐ qù chīfàn?) Want to eat together?
B: 好！(Hǎo!) Yes!
Confirming Information:
A: 这是你的包吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de bāo ma?) Is this your bag?
B: 是。(Shì.) Yes.
Agreeing Politely:
A: 要帮忙吗？(Yào bāngmáng ma?) Do you need help?
B: 可以。(Kěyǐ.) Yes, please.
FAQs on Yes in Mandarin
Does Chinese Have a Word for Yes?
Chinese has a word for “yes,” which is “是 shì”.
However, instead of a single universal term, different responses are used depending on the verb in the question or the context of the conversation.
This means that agreeing in Chinese often requires repeating part of the question or selecting the most appropriate phrase based on the situation.
Does Shi De Mean Yes?
Yes, “shi de” (是的) is a polite and formal way to say “yes.” It is used in confirmation responses.
Example:
A: 这本书是你的？(Zhè běn shū shì nǐ de?) Is this book yours?
B: 是的。(Shì de.) Yes, it is.
Does Hao Mean Yes?
Yes, “hao” (好) can mean “yes,” but it is more commonly used to indicate agreement or approval rather than a direct confirmation.
Example:
A: 我们去吃饭吧？(Wǒmen qù chīfàn ba?) Let’s go to eat?
B: 好。(Hǎo.) Yes./Okay.
How Do You Say Yes Please in Chinese?
If you want to politely accept an offer, you can say:
好的，谢谢。(Hǎo de, xièxiè.) – Yes, please (literally “okay, thank you”).
可以，谢谢。(Kěyǐ, xièxiè.) – Yes, please (literally “can, thank you”).
Example:
A: 你要喝茶吗？(Nǐ yào hē chá ma?) – Do you want some tea?
B: 好的，谢谢。(Hǎo de, xièxiè.) – Yes, please.
Final Thoughts
Saying “yes” in Chinese might seem simple at first, but mastering it requires understanding the context, tone, and the right words to use.
Whether you’re agreeing politely, confirming a fact, or showing enthusiasm, picking the right way to say “yes” will make your conversations feel more natural and engaging.
To truly grasp these nuances, immerse yourself in real-life conversations, observe native speakers, and practice using these expressions in different contexts.
The more you use them, the more confident and fluent you’ll become in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
If this guide helped you unlock new ways to say “yes” in Chinese, why not share it? Whether you’re learning with friends, studying in a group, or just want to impress native speakers, spreading the knowledge makes learning more fun!