Everyday essentials
How to say Yes in Chinese
对
duì
Literally: correct / right
Chinese has no all-purpose “yes.” You answer by echoing the verb or confirming: 对 (duì) “correct” agrees that something is right, 是 (shì) “it is” confirms identity, and 好 (hǎo) “okay” agrees to a suggestion.
Other ways to say it
- 是
shì
yes, it is
Confirms a fact or identity — the answer to “是不是?” (is it or isn’t it?).
- 是的
shì de
yes (polite)
A slightly softer, fuller “yes,” common in polite or formal replies.
- 好
hǎo
okay, sure
Agrees to a suggestion or request — “yes, let’s” / “okay.”
- 嗯
ǹg
mm-hm
A casual grunt of agreement, like nodding along.
In a sentence
对，就是这样。
Duì, jiùshì zhèyàng.
Yes, that’s exactly right.
How do you say "Yes" in Chinese?
There’s no single word for “yes” in Chinese. Use 对 (duì) to agree that something is correct, 是 (shì) to confirm a fact, or 好 (hǎo) to agree to a suggestion.
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