Page 477 - Basic Japanese

answer turns out to be the opposite of standard English

‘yes’ and ‘no,’ which affirm or deny the FACTS rather than
the STATEMENT of the facts.

“Hai, irimasen.”

“Satō wa irimasen ka.” “Correct, I don’t need
“Don’t you need it.”
sugar?”

“Banana wa arimasen ka.” “Hai, banana wa
“Do you have no arimasen.”

bananas?” “Correct, we have no
bananas.”

Of course, if the negative question is really just an
oblique request, then you indicate assent with hai and your

refusal with īe, as you would in English.

“Hai, kashikomarimashita.”
“Sūtsukēsu o motte kite “Yes, gladly.

kudasaimasen ka.”
“Won’t you please
bring the suitcase over

here?”

“Īe, mō kekkō desu.”