Short responses show that you are following the speaker.
The idea
A rising ending can invite confirmation or convey surprise; a settled falling ending can sound like acknowledgement. Pitch is only one cue: timing, length and context also matter.
Examples
- はい、そうですか。Yes, is that so?
- ええ、分かりました。Yes, I understand.
- なるほど、そうなんですね。I see, so that’s how it is.
- ああ、それは大変ですね。Oh, that sounds difficult.
- はい、聞いています。Yes, I’m listening.
- えっ、本当ですか。What, really?
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Do not assume that はい always means agreement. It can simply show that you are listening, and a rise does not always mean a question.
Try it yourself
聞いていることを示す返事はどれですか。（はい／えっ）
Show answer or example answer
はい
はい can acknowledge that you are listening without promising agreement.
驚いた時の返事はどれですか。（えっ／はい）
Show answer or example answer
えっ
えっ with a rising question can express surprise at unexpected news.
落ち着いた理解を示す声は上がりますか、下がりますか。（上がる／下がる）
Show answer or example answer
下がる
A settled falling contour can convey acknowledgement; the context and timing also shape its meaning.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
聞いていることを示す返事はどれですか。（はい／えっ）
驚いた時の返事はどれですか。（えっ／はい）
落ち着いた理解を示す声は上がりますか、下がりますか。（上がる／下がる）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Read each response aloud in context. Try a gentle fall for acknowledgement and a rise for a surprised question; listen to how the interaction changes.