Hello, I’m Kodak.
How do Japanese speakers show that they are listening, understanding, agreeing, or thinking?
In natural conversation, you will often hear short expressions such as なるほど (naruhodo), 確かに (tashika ni), それな (sore na), えっと (etto), and あのう (anou).
They may all appear between longer sentences, but they do not perform the same job.
The most important distinction is:
なるほど・確かに・それな
⇒ listener responses showing understanding, agreement, or shared feeling
⇒ often discussed as あいづち (aizuchi) or response expressions
えっと・あのう
⇒ expressions the speaker uses while thinking, searching, hesitating, or preparing the listener
⇒ commonly called フィラー (fillers)
This article is a conversation hub for five useful expressions:
なるほど ⇒ “I see; that makes sense.”
確かに ⇒ “That is certainly true.”
それな ⇒ “Exactly! Same!”
えっと ⇒ “Um… let me think.”
あのう ⇒ “Um… excuse me / let me say this carefully.”
Quick Guide: Japanese Words for Agreement, Understanding, and Thinking
| Expression | Main function | Closest English | Style | Best situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| なるほど | New understanding or realization | I see; that makes sense | Neutral conversational | An explanation connects the pieces |
| 確かに | Recognizing truth or validity | Certainly; that is true | Neutral to formal | A point or argument is convincing |
| それな | Strong shared agreement | Exactly; so true; same | Very casual slang | Friends or SNS users share the same feeling |
| えっと | Searching memory or organizing an answer | Um; let me think | Spoken filler | You need time to remember, calculate, or plan |
| あのう | Preparing speech for a listener | Um; well; excuse me | Spoken filler | You get attention or introduce a delicate request |
What Are あいづち (Aizuchi)?
あいづち (aizuchi) are short listener responses that show attention, understanding, surprise, sympathy, or agreement while another person is speaking.
Common Japanese aizuchi include:
はい — yes / I’m listening
ええ — yes / right
うん — yeah
そうですか — I see / is that so?
そうですね — that’s true / I agree
へえ — really? / wow
なるほど — I see; that makes sense
確かに — certainly; that is true
わかります — I understand / I can relate
本当ですか — really?
Japanese-language teaching materials often emphasize that listeners use many small responses during a conversation. A listener who remains completely silent may accidentally appear uninterested, confused, or inattentive.
However, aizuchi does not always mean complete agreement. Sometimes it only means:
“I understand what you are saying.”
“I am following the story.”
“I am surprised.”
“Please continue.”
What Are Japanese Filler Words?
A filler is an expression that occupies time while the speaker performs mental or conversational work.
Japanese fillers can help a speaker:
・search their memory
・calculate an answer
・organize a sentence
・hold the speaking turn
・correct themselves
・choose a polite or delicate expression
・attract the listener’s attention
・soften a request, refusal, or disagreement
Typical examples include えっと, ええと, あのう, うーん, まあ, そのう, and conversational uses of なんか.
Fillers may not add dictionary information, but they still tell the listener what the speaker is doing.
A filler is not simply “empty noise.” It can mean:
“I am thinking.”
“I have not finished speaking.”
“This is difficult to say.”
“I would like your attention.”
How to Agree in Japanese: Choose the Type of Agreement
English words such as “yes,” “I agree,” “exactly,” “I see,” and “that is true” overlap, but they do not express the same mental reaction.
Japanese makes these differences especially visible.
⇒ なるほどA statement is true or logically valid
⇒ 確かにYou already share the exact opinion or experience
⇒ それなYou calmly agree
⇒ そうですね / そうだね
You personally share the opinion
⇒ 私もそう思います
You strongly agree with a superior or customer
⇒ おっしゃるとおりです
1. なるほど (Naruhodo): “I See; That Makes Sense”
なるほど is used when an explanation, reason, or new piece of information connects the dots.
New information fits together and produces understanding.Natural English:
I see.
That makes sense.
Now I understand.
Indeed.
No wonder.
A：この店が混んでいるのは、昨日テレビで紹介されたからです。
Kono mise ga konde iru no wa, kinō terebi de shōkai sareta kara desu.
This restaurant is crowded because it was featured on television yesterday.B：なるほど。だからこんなに人が多いんですね。
Naruhodo. Dakara konna ni hito ga ōi n desu ne.
I see. So that’s why there are so many people.
なるほど can also acknowledge one point before disagreement:
なるほど、その考え方にも一理あります。ただ、費用の問題が残ります。
Naruhodo, sono kangaekata ni mo ichiri arimasu. Tada, hiyō no mondai ga nokorimasu.
I see the logic in that idea. However, the cost problem remains.
For the full explanation, see What Does なるほど (Naruhodo) Mean?
2. 確かに (Tashika ni): “Certainly; That Is True”
確かに is used when the speaker recognizes that a statement, observation, or argument is true, valid, or difficult to deny.
A point stands firmly as true or valid.Natural English:
Certainly.
Indeed.
That is true.
You’re right.
Fair point.
To be sure.
A：電車なら渋滞を心配しなくていいですね。
Densha nara jūtai o shinpai shinakute ii desu ne.
If we take the train, we won’t have to worry about traffic.B：確かに、その方が時間を読みやすいですね。
Tashika ni, sono hō ga jikan o yomiyasui desu ne.
That’s true. It would be easier to predict the travel time.
確かに is also common in a concession pattern:
確かに便利です。でも、料金が少し高いです。
Tashika ni benri desu. Demo, ryōkin ga sukoshi takai desu.
It is certainly convenient. However, it is a little expensive.
If I remember correctly, the meeting starts at three.予定表を見ると、確かに三時からです。
The schedule confirms that it definitely starts at three.
For the full explanation, see What Does 確かに (Tashika ni) Mean?
3. それな (Sore na): “Exactly! Same!”
それな is modern casual slang that points back to the other person’s statement and shows strong shared agreement.
“That exact thing you just said—that is how I feel too.”Natural English:
Exactly.
So true.
I know, right?
Same.
For real.
Facts.
A：休みの日って、一日が終わるの早すぎない？
Yasumi no hi tte, ichinichi ga owaru no hayasuginai?
Don’t days off end way too quickly?B：それな！
Sore na!
Exactly! / I know, right?
A：この曲、二回目から急に好きになる。
Kono kyoku, nikaime kara kyū ni suki ni naru.
I suddenly start liking this song from the second listen.B：それな。聴くほどよくなる。
Sore na. Kiku hodo yoku naru.
So true. It gets better the more you listen.
それな is suitable for friends, classmates, SNS, gaming, and fandom conversations. It is usually too casual for customers, supervisors, interviews, or serious emotional conversations.
For the full explanation, see What Does それな (Sore na) Mean?
なるほど vs 確かに vs それな
These three expressions can all appear after someone gives an opinion, but they focus on different reactions.
A new explanation makes sense.
⇒ “Now I understand.”確かに
You recognize that the point is true or valid.
⇒ “That is certainly true.”それな
You already share the same opinion or experience.
⇒ “Exactly! Same!”
One topic, three different responses
A：この店は駅から遠いので、家賃が安いんです。
This store’s rent is low because it is far from the station.
B：なるほど。
I see. That explains it.
⇒ B gains a new explanation.
A：駅から遠い店は、お客さんを集めるのが難しいですね。
Stores far from stations have difficulty attracting customers.
B：確かに、その問題はありますね。
That is certainly true.
⇒ B recognizes the validity of the point.
A：駅から遠い店って、行こうと思っても結局行かないよね。
Even when you plan to visit a store far from the station, you often never go.
B：それな！
Exactly!
⇒ B shares the same experience.
4. えっと (Etto): “Um… Let Me Think”
えっと, along with ええと and えーと, is a typical filler used while searching memory, calculating, organizing an answer, or correcting speech.
The speaker is searching their mental database.Natural English:
Um…
Let me see…
Let me think…
What was it again…?
A：予約番号を教えてください。
Yoyaku bangō o oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me your reservation number.B：えっと、4821です。
Etto, yon-hachi-ni-ichi desu.
Um, it’s 4821.
A：全部でいくらになりますか？
Zenbu de ikura ni narimasu ka?
How much will it be in total?B：えっと……六千五百円です。
Etto… rokusen gohyaku-en desu.
Let me see… it’s 6,500 yen.
The filler tells the listener that the speaker is still working on the answer and has not finished the speaking turn.
5. あのう (Anou): “Um… Excuse Me”
あのう, also written あのー or あの, often appears when the speaker prepares wording for a listener, introduces a difficult request, softens a correction, or gets someone’s attention.
“I need to say something to you, and I am preparing the words.”Natural English:
Um…
Well…
Excuse me…
You see…
I was wondering…
あのう、すみません。駅はどちらですか？
Anou, sumimasen. Eki wa dochira desu ka?
Excuse me, which way is the station?
あのう、ちょっとお願いがあるんですが。
Anou, chotto onegai ga aru n desu ga.
Um, I have a small favor to ask.
あのう、その数字は少し違うと思います。
Anou, sono sūji wa sukoshi chigau to omoimasu.
Well, I think that number may be slightly incorrect.
あのう is not an apology by itself. In あのう、すみません, the two expressions perform different roles:
“I would like your attention / I am preparing to speak.”
＋
すみません
“Sorry to interrupt or bother you.”
＋
the actual question or request
For the full comparison, see What Do えっと (Etto) and あのう (Anou) Mean?
えっと vs あのう
Looks inward toward the answer.
⇒ memory, calculation, planning, self-correctionあのう
Looks outward toward the listener.
⇒ attention, wording choice, requests, delicate statements
えっと、会議は三時からです。
Um, the meeting starts at three.
⇒ The speaker is retrieving the time.
あのう、会議の時間を変更していただけませんか？
Um, would it be possible to change the meeting time?
⇒ The speaker is preparing a potentially burdensome request.
The distinction describes a useful tendency rather than an absolute rule. In real conversation, a speaker may search for information and choose socially appropriate wording at the same time.
How to Say “I Agree” in Japanese
The direct sentence 同意します (dōi shimasu) literally means “I agree,” but it can sound formal, explicit, or administrative in everyday conversation.
Native speakers often choose a response that shows how they agree.
That’s true. / I agree.
Neutral and broadly useful.私もそう思います。
I think so too.
Clearly states shared opinion.そのとおりです。
That is correct / exactly right.
Clear and firm agreement.おっしゃるとおりです。
You are exactly right.
Respectful agreement with the other person.
確かにそうですね。
That is certainly true.
Thoughtful recognition of validity.
わかります。
I understand / I can relate.
Emotional understanding rather than purely logical agreement.
同感です。
I feel the same way.
More formal or written than それな.
賛成です。
I am in favor / I agree with the proposal.
Used for plans, choices, motions, or decisions.
そうですね: The Safest General Agreement
A：まずは小さく始めた方がいいと思います。
I think it would be better to start small.B：そうですね。リスクも減らせます。
That’s true. It would also reduce the risk.
私もそう思います: “I Think So Too”
A：このデザインの方が見やすいと思います。
I think this design is easier to read.B：私もそう思います。
I think so too.
おっしゃるとおりです: Respectful Strong Agreement
お客様のおっしゃるとおりです。案内表示を改善いたします。
You are exactly right. We will improve the signs.
賛成です: Supporting a Proposal
その計画に賛成です。
Sono keikaku ni sansei desu.
I agree with that plan / I support that plan.
How to Disagree Politely After Agreeing
Japanese speakers often acknowledge part of the other person’s statement before introducing a different view.
I see your point, but…確かにそうですが……
That is true, but…おっしゃることは分かります。ただ……
I understand what you are saying. However…その考え方にも一理あります。一方で……
There is some merit to that idea. On the other hand…
私も基本的には賛成です。ただ、一点だけ……
I basically agree. There is just one point…
確かにコストは下がります。ただ、品質への影響も確認する必要があります。
Tashika ni kosuto wa sagarimasu. Tada, hinshitsu e no eikyō mo kakunin suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
The cost will certainly decrease. However, we also need to check the effect on quality.
Acknowledging a valid point does not mean surrendering your own position. It can make disagreement clearer and less confrontational.
Which Expression Should You Use?
| Situation | Recommended expression | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An explanation suddenly makes sense | なるほど | Shows realization and understanding |
| You recognize a logical point as true | 確かに | Confirms validity |
| A friend says exactly what you were thinking | それな | Strong casual shared agreement |
| You need to remember a date or number | えっと | Signals mental search |
| You want to ask a stranger a question | あのう、すみません | Gets attention and softens the approach |
| You calmly agree in ordinary conversation | そうですね | Neutral and broadly safe |
| You want to state your own shared opinion | 私もそう思います | Explicit personal agreement |
| You strongly agree with a customer or superior | おっしゃるとおりです | Respectful and specific |
| You accept an instruction | 分かりました / 承知しました | Confirms understanding or acceptance |
| You empathize with someone’s feelings | わかります | Shows emotional understanding |
Politeness: Expressions to Use with Friends, Teachers, and Customers
With close friends
それな！
確かに！
なるほどね。
そうだね。
わかる。
With teachers or senior coworkers
なるほど、よく分かりました。
確かにそうですね。
私もそう思います。
勉強になります。
承知しました。
With customers or in formal business
おっしゃるとおりです。
ご指摘のとおりです。
承知しました。
かしこまりました。
そのような理由があったのですね。
なるほど and 確かに are not automatically insulting. However, some listeners may feel evaluated if these words are repeated toward a superior or customer. A more specific response is often safer.
One Conversation Using All Five Expressions
Planning a group trip
A：新幹線は高いけど、移動時間をかなり短くできます。
The bullet train is expensive, but it can greatly reduce travel time.
B：なるほど。時間を優先するなら、その方がいいですね。
I see. If time is the priority, that would be better.
⇒ A’s explanation makes sense to B.
C：確かに、飛行機より駅までの移動も楽です。
That is true. Getting to the station is also easier than getting to the airport.
⇒ C recognizes another valid point.
D：それな！ 空港って市内から遠いことが多い。
Exactly! Airports are often far from the city center.
⇒ D already shares the same experience.
B：えっと、四人分の料金はいくらになるかな。
Let me see, how much would it cost for four people?
⇒ B starts calculating.
C：あのう、学生割引が使えるか確認してみませんか？
Um, why don’t we check whether we can use a student discount?
⇒ C gently introduces a suggestion to the group.
How These Expressions Appear in Anime, Manga, and Games
Fiction often exaggerates pauses and reactions to make a character’s mental state visible.
I see… It all fits together now.
⇒ A detective or strategist reaches a conclusion.確かに、お前の言うとおりだ。だが……。
You are certainly right. However…
⇒ A character acknowledges one point before opposing it.それな！ 推しが出てるだけで神回。
Exactly! Any episode with my favorite character is amazing.
⇒ Modern casual or fandom-oriented character speech.えっと……君、誰だっけ？
Um… who were you again?
⇒ The character searches their memory.
あの……ずっと好きでした。
Um… I’ve always liked you.
⇒ The character struggles to begin a risky confession.
These expressions also help characterize a speaker:
Analytical, reflective, or confident確かに……だが
Logical, argumentative, or strategicそれな
Young, casual, contemporary, internet-awareえっと……
Forgetful, thoughtful, confused, or organizing information
あの……
Shy, nervous, careful, or socially hesitant
Other Useful Japanese Agreement and Response Words
そうですか: “I See / Is That So?”
Acknowledges new information without necessarily agreeing with an opinion.
A：田中さんは来月、引っ越すそうです。
Tanaka is apparently moving next month.B：そうですか。
I see.
へえ: “Really? / Wow”
Shows surprise or interest.
A：この建物は三百年前に建てられました。
This building was constructed three hundred years ago.B：へえ、そんなに古いんですか！
Wow, is it really that old?
わかります: “I Understand / I Relate”
Useful for emotional empathy.
A：好きな作品が終わると寂しくなります。
I feel lonely when a series I love ends.B：わかります。しばらく次の作品を見られませんよね。
I know how you feel. You can’t start another series for a while.
そうなんですね: “Oh, I See”
A polite response showing that information is new to the listener.
A：実は来月から大阪で働くんです。
Actually, I will be working in Osaka starting next month.B：そうなんですね。新しい仕事、頑張ってください。
Oh, I see. Good luck with your new job.
たしかに vs そうですね
そうですね is broad, calm agreement. 確かに more clearly evaluates the point as true or valid.
Yes, that’s true.確かに、その方法なら時間を短縮できますね。
That is certainly true; that method would save time.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Calling Every Short Expression a Filler
えっと and あのう hold time while the speaker prepares speech. なるほど, 確かに, and それな usually respond to content and express a stance.
Mistake 2: Assuming Aizuchi Always Means Agreement
はい, そうですか, or なるほど may only show listening or understanding.
Mistake 3: Using それな in Formal Situations
This explanation is a little difficult to understand.× Staff: それな。○ Staff: おっしゃるとおりです。内容を見直します。
You are absolutely right. We will review the content.
Mistake 4: Using なるほど to Accept an Instruction
Please send these materials by the end of today.△ B：なるほど。
I see.
⇒ Sounds like B is analyzing the instruction.○ B：分かりました。
Understood.○ B：承知しました。
Certainly. (businesslike)
Mistake 5: Using えっと Before Every Phrase
えっと、今日は、えっと、新しい企画について、えっと、説明します。Clearer:
今日は、新しい企画について説明します。
Mistake 6: Thinking あのう Is an Apology
あのう prepares contact or speech. Use すみません or 申し訳ありません when you need to apologize.
Mistake 7: Translating Each Expression with One Fixed English Word
I see / that makes sense / no wonder / indeed確かに
certainly / indeed / that is true / fair pointそれな
exactly / same / so true / I know, right?えっと
um / let me see / let me think
あのう
um / well / excuse me / I was wondering
FAQ: Japanese Filler Words and Ways to Agree
What are common Japanese filler words?
Common Japanese fillers include えっと, ええと, あのう, うーん, まあ, そのう, and some conversational uses of なんか. They help speakers think, hesitate, plan, soften speech, or hold the speaking turn.
How do you say “I agree” in Japanese?
Useful expressions include そうですね (“That’s true”), 私もそう思います (“I think so too”), そのとおりです (“That is correct”), and おっしゃるとおりです for respectful agreement.
What is Japanese aizuchi?
あいづち are short listener responses showing attention, understanding, surprise, sympathy, or agreement. Examples include はい, そうですか, へえ, なるほど, and そうですね.
What is the difference between aizuchi and filler words?
Aizuchi are listener responses to another person’s speech. Fillers are usually produced by the current speaker while thinking, planning, hesitating, or managing the conversation.
What is the difference between naruhodo, tashika ni, and sore na?
なるほど shows that new information makes sense. 確かに recognizes that a statement is true or valid. それな shows strong casual agreement with an opinion or experience you already share.
What is the difference between etto and anou?
えっと tends to signal memory search, calculation, or answer planning. あのう tends to get attention or prepare socially appropriate wording for a listener. The two can overlap.
Is naruhodo rude?
It is not inherently rude, but some listeners feel it can sound evaluative or too casual when repeatedly used toward a superior or customer. More specific responses such as よく分かりました or おっしゃるとおりです are safer in formal situations.
Is tashika ni polite?
確かに is neutral rather than honorific. It is often acceptable, but in highly formal situations, 確かにおっしゃるとおりです or ご指摘のとおりです sounds more respectful.
Is sore na rude?
It is not a swear word, but it is very casual slang. Avoid it with customers, supervisors, teachers, strangers, and in serious conversations unless the relationship clearly permits that style.
Is etto rude?
No. It is a normal spoken filler. Frequent repetition in a presentation or interview may make the speaker sound unprepared, but the expression itself is not rude.
Does anou mean “excuse me”?
It can function like “excuse me” when used to attract someone’s attention. It is not an apology itself, so it is commonly followed by すみません.
Does hai always mean yes or agreement?
No. During another person’s speech, はい can simply mean “I’m listening” or “I understand.” The listener may still disagree later.
How do I agree with my boss in Japanese?
Depending on the context, use そうですね, 私もそう思います, おっしゃるとおりです, ご指摘のとおりです, or 承知しました when accepting an instruction.
How do you say “Exactly!” in Japanese?
With friends, それな！ is a modern casual equivalent. More neutral choices include そのとおりです and まさにそのとおりです.
How do you say “That makes sense” in Japanese?
なるほど is the most useful short response. You can also say そういうことなのですね or それなら納得です.
How do you say “That is true” in Japanese?
確かにそうですね means “That is certainly true.” そうですね is a softer and more general agreement.
Summary: Japanese Conversation Responses and Filler Words
“I see; that makes sense.”
Use when new information produces understanding.● 確かに
“Certainly; that is true.”
Use when you recognize a point as true or valid.● それな
“Exactly; so true; same.”
Use for strong casual agreement with friends or online.● えっと
“Um; let me think.”
Use while searching memory, calculating, or planning an answer.
● あのう
“Um; well; excuse me.”
Use to get attention or prepare a request, correction, or difficult statement.
● Aizuchi vs fillers
Aizuchi are listener responses.
Fillers help the current speaker manage hesitation and planning.
● Safest general agreement
そうですね / 私もそう思います
● Respectful agreement
おっしゃるとおりです / ご指摘のとおりです
● Accepting an instruction
分かりました / 承知しました / かしこまりました
Remember the five core images:
なるほど
“The explanation connected the pieces.”
確かに
“That point stands firmly as true.”
それな
“That exact thing you said—same!”
えっと
“I am searching for the answer.”
あのう
“I need to say something to you, and I am preparing the words.”
Detailed Guides
Meaning, origin, pronunciation, politeness, and comparison with そうですか and 分かりました.What Does 確かに (Tashika ni) Mean?
Agreement, certainty, concession, and the difference between 確か and 確かに.What Does それな (Sore na) Mean?
Modern slang, SNS usage, politeness, origin theories, and comparison with そうだね and わかる.What Do えっと (Etto) and あのう (Anou) Mean?
Japanese filler words, pronunciation, mental search, attention-getting, and formal alternatives.
References
- The Japan Foundation: Interview activities and Japanese aizuchi — lists listener responses including そうですか, そうですね, なるほど, and 本当ですか.
- The Japan Foundation: Communication strategy explanations — explains that Japanese conversation commonly uses frequent aizuchi and that silence may be interpreted as lack of attention or understanding.
- National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics: “それ、言語学が解決します” — explains fillers and the difference between えーと and あのー.
- National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics: Language used to connect conversation — discusses fillers and discourse markers in modern conversation.
- Kotobank: 成程 — meanings and historical development of なるほど.
- Interview with lexicographer Hiroaki Iima — origin and social-rank discussion concerning なるほど.
- The Japanese Language Examination: なるほど — differing dictionary views and cautions about repeated use.
- Yurie Kamata (2023), “Characteristics of Sore-na in Exchanges of Complaints” — research on それな as an agreement and empathy response.
- Kotobank: ええと — dictionary definition of the thinking filler.
- Kotobank: あのう — dictionary definition of the hesitation and attention-getting filler.