Learn Japanese

Chotto (ちょっと) means "a little," but "Sore wa chotto…" usually means no. An interpreter shares a meeting story and explains how to recognize and respond to a soft Japanese refusal.

In Japanese business, kentou shimasu (検討します), "we'll consider it," can be a polite no. An interpreter explains how to tell a real "maybe" from a soft refusal.

In Japanese, hai (はい) often means "I'm listening," not "I agree." A Japanese-English interpreter shares a real meeting story and tips for confirming agreement.

Learn what common Japanese phrases really mean in context, from “hai” and “daijoubu” to “chotto” and “ganbarimasu,” and avoid cross-cultural misunderstandings.