Don't say はい/いいえ for everything

1. 1

   うん、そう

   un, sou

   Casual agreement instead of a flat はい.

   Use when agreeing in a casual chat with a friend

   うん、そう、それでいい。

   un, sou, sore de ii.

   Yeah, that's right, that works.

   Textbook version (sounds stiff)

   はい、そうです

   hai, sou desu

   Sounds like a customer-service script when you're just chatting.

2. 2

   ちょっと…

   chotto...

   Soft 'mmm, not really' that declines without saying no.

   Use when turning down an offer without sounding harsh

   今日はちょっと…ごめん。

   kyou wa chotto... gomen.

   Today's a bit... sorry.

   Textbook version (sounds stiff)

   いいえ、行きません

   iie, ikimasen

   A direct 'no, I won't go' sounds blunt and a little rude here.

3. 3

   そうだね

   sou da ne

   Casual 'yeah, you're right' that joins the conversation.

   Use when agreeing with a friend's opinion

   そうだね、それいいかも。

   sou da ne, sore ii kamo.

   Yeah, that might be good.

   Textbook version (sounds stiff)

   はい、そう思います

   hai, sou omoimasu

   Sounds like a business meeting when you're chatting with a friend.

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