When someone asks a tag question in Japanese, they often want a simple yes or no. In this workshop, you will use short answers and match them to the right situation. You will also practice choosing between casual and polite forms. The recordings give you clear examples to imitate. By the end, you should feel more confident responding to questions like 'You're coming, right?' in Japanese.
Casual and Polite Agreement
In casual conversation, a short agreement like «うん、行くよ。» works well with friends. It means 'Yeah, I'm going.' The final 'yo' adds a bit of assertion, so it sounds natural and friendly. In a more formal situation, you would use «はい、行きます。», which means 'Yes, I'm going.' The verb ending changes from 'iku' to 'ikimasu' to show politeness. Notice that both answers are short and direct. You do not need a long sentence. Just match the politeness level of the person asking. If they use casual speech, you can use casual. If they use polite speech, use polite.
Casual and Polite Disagreement
To say no in a casual way, you can use «いや、行かない。». It means 'No, I'm not going.' The word 'iya' is a casual alternative to 'iie' and often sounds softer or more conversational. In a polite situation, use «いいえ、行きません。», which means 'No, I'm not going.' Here the verb changes to 'ikimasen' for politeness. Again, the answer is short. You can simply say the word for no and the verb. Pay attention to the ending: 'nai' is casual, 'masen' is polite. Choose based on who you are talking to.
Hearing the Question and Choosing a Reply
Tag questions often end with 'ne' or 'kana'. For example, «明日のパーティー、来るよね？» means 'You're coming to tomorrow's party, right?' The 'ne' makes it a tag question, seeking agreement. A natural casual reply is «うん、行くよ。», which means 'Yeah, I'm going.' Notice how the reply matches the casual tone. Sometimes the question is about someone else, like «田中さんも来るかな？», which means 'I wonder if Tanaka-san is coming too?' Here the speaker is not asking you directly, but wondering aloud. A possible reply is «さあ、来ないかもしれない。», meaning 'Hmm, he might not come.' This shows uncertainty. When you hear a tag question, first decide if it is casual or polite, then choose a short answer that fits.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
うん、行くよ。
Yeah, I'm going.
Un, iku yo.
はい、行きます。
Yes, I'm going.
Hai, ikimasu.
いや、行かない。
No, I'm not going.
Iya, ikanai.
いいえ、行きません。
No, I'm not going.
Iie, ikimasen.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
明日のパーティー、来るよね？
You're coming to tomorrow's party, right?うん、行くよ。
Yeah, I'm going.田中さんも来るかな？
I wonder if Tanaka-san is coming too?さあ、来ないかもしれない。
Hmm, he might not come.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Agree Casually
Imagine a friend asks you a tag question in a casual way. You want to agree. Use the casual agreement from the recordings.
Your task: Listen to the question in «明日のパーティー、来るよね？». Then respond with the casual agreement from «うん、行くよ。». Repeat the exchange out loud, with one person asking and one person answering.
Reply Comprehension: Choose Polite or Casual
You will hear two possible replies. One is casual, one is polite. Decide which one fits a formal situation.
Your task: Listen to «はい、行きます。» and «うん、行くよ。». Which one would you use with a teacher or acquaintance? Say the polite one out loud.
Recall and Role-Play: Disagree in Two Styles
You need to say no to an invitation. Practice both casual and polite disagreement.
Your task: First, say the casual disagreement from «いや、行かない。» as if to a friend. Then say the polite disagreement from «いいえ、行きません。» as if to an acquaintance. Repeat until smooth.
Common questions
When should I use casual versus polite answers?
Use casual answers like «うん、行くよ。» with friends or people you know well. Use polite answers like «はい、行きます。» with acquaintances, teachers, or in formal situations. If you are unsure, polite is usually safer.
What does 'iya' mean compared to 'iie'?
'Iya' is a casual way to say no, as in «いや、行かない。». 'Iie' is more neutral or polite, as in «いいえ、行きません。». Both mean no, but 'iya' can sound softer or more conversational in casual speech.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: responding to tag questionsChecked September 2026
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