Learning to say yes in Chinese is one of the first skills many new learners must master. It’s important to know that no single word translates directly to the English word “yes.”
Instead, it would be best to learn different ways of confirming, approving, and agreeing.
Shi De
Unlike many Romance languages, Chinese doesn’t have a single word that translates to the English phrase “Yes.” Instead, it has many ways to confirm or agree with a question.
One way to say yes in Chinese is using the Shi () De construction. It is often used when asking for details about the past, such as when or how something happened. In addition, this construction can be negated by adding the word Bu () after Shi.
Another common way to say yes in Mandarin is to use the mhm () or uh-huh () expressions. While these can also be used as a form of agreement, they are more emphatic than the Shi De construction.
Learning all these different ways to say yes in Mandarin might seem overwhelming initially, but with some practice, you’ll speak like a native speaker in no time! Try listening to podcasts or watching TV shows paired with Chinese subtitles to practice. You can also ask friends to help you practice your new phrases.
Huan Ni Liao
A few basic Chinese phrases will get you a long way in Mandarin. One of those is Huan (hun). It is not a specific word but rather a grammatical structure that involves agreeing by repeating the question you’ve been asked. It works best with verbs and is especially useful for beginners with limited Chinese vocabulary under their belts.
You can use Huan in various contexts, such as “Ok, that’s fine” or “Yes, I think so.” You can add more information, such as “I agree” or “I don’t agree.”
Another option is Ng (ng). It is another very versatile way to say yes. It’s usually used more casually and can include the addition of various particles to indicate your agreement. For example, ? = Did you finish the report? Ng, ni hua zhi wan bao le ma? = Yes, I did. Or, ?= Is it true that you won’t be able to make the trip to the park tomorrow? Ng, ni hui liao bao yue ma?
Shou Dao
Unlike many Romance languages, which have one word that translates directly to “yes,” Chinese has multiple ways of confirming, approving, and agreeing that vary with context. It can be difficult for beginners to know which option is best in a given situation, but it will become easier with practice.
The best way to learn to say yes in Mandarin is to practice it with a native speaker. You can find them through Speechling or by contacting a friend or family member who speaks Chinese. They will be able to correct your pronunciation and give you feedback on how well you are communicating.
Offering confirmation and agreement is a necessary skill for any language, and learning how to do it effectively in Mandarin will make your conversations much more effortless. With some practice, you can say yes in Chinese without any issues! Until then, good luck and happy speaking! The more you practice, the better you will get. Enjoy your journey as you unlock the beauty of the Chinese language!
Ming Bai
A surprising quirk of the Chinese language is that no single word directly translates to the English phrase “Yes.” Instead, Mandarin speakers use a variety of phrases to offer confirmation and agree with someone. Using one-word answers like “yes,” “no,” or “sure” in response to a question can sound a bit stiff or rude. In contrast, many Romance languages have many options for agreeing and confirming.
Getting a feel for the different ways to say yes in Mandarin takes time and practice. However, you can confidently respond to any question once you know which terms to use. To learn more, immerse yourself in Chinese-speaking content like podcasts and TV shows and speak with native speakers. It will help you develop a natural feeling for which Chinese responses are best in a given context. The more you listen and talk, the easier it’ll be to pick up these different forms of yes. Then, you can start integrating them into your day-to-day conversations!
Ni Yao Chi
The first word most people learn to say yes in Chinese is Shi (shi). It is a catch-all answer for “yes” and is used almost whenever you want to confirm something. It’s the same as saying “yes” in English but a little more formal.
There are also many ways to be more specific when answering questions in Chinese. One way is to use the verb version of the question word: (ni yao chi) or (ni yao ma). It is a good option when you want to be especially clear about your words.
Another way is to use a word that means more or less the same thing as the question word but with a more positive tone: (dang ran) is an excellent choice. It’s the equivalent of saying yes with a very confident expression. Using these words correctly can make you sound more natural and even impress some native speakers! It’s worth remembering that context is essential, though. Be sure to take the time to practice with a native speaker so you can get a feel for which phrases feel most natural in different situations.
