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えー (ee) is the go-to expression when you’re surprised, shocked, or even skeptical. You can stretch it (えーっ! / ee!) to emphasize even more surprise. It’s often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or coworkers when you hear something unexpected or hard to believe. 

Comparison : 

• English : “What?!” / “No way!” 

• Filipino : “Ha?!” / “Seryoso?!” 

Example : 

Friend : “明日、旅行に行くんだ。” (Ashita, ryokou ni iku n da. — I’m going on a trip tomorrow.) 

You : “えーっ! すごい！” (Ee! Sugoi! — Eh?! That’s amazing!) 

It’s a fun and expressive way to react immediately and show your emotional response without needing a long sentence.  

へー (hee) is softer than えー (ee). It shows you’re interested or mildly surprised but not shocked. Use this when someone tells you something new or interesting, and you want to acknowledge it casually. It can also convey curiosity. 

Comparison : 

• English : “Oh, really?” / “Wow” / “Interesting”  

• Filipino : “Ah, ganun ba?” / “Talaga?”

Example : 

Coworker: “この店、100年以上も前からあるんだって。” (Kono mise, hyaku nen ijou mo mae kara aru n datte. — This shop has been around for over 100 years.) 

You: “へー、そうなんだ。” (Hee, sou nan da. — Oh, really? That’s interesting.) 

This expression is a low-key way to react politely in conversations where overreacting might seem odd. 

うん (un) is short, casual, and versatile. It’s commonly used among friends, family, or peers to show agreement, acknowledgment, or that you’re actively listening. Stretch it slightly (うーん / uun) to show hesitation, thinking, or mild doubt. 

Comparison : 

• English : “Yeah” / “Uh-huh” / “I see.” 

• Filipino : “Oo” / “Ahh, ganun ba” 

Example : 

Friend : “今日は雨が降るみたいだよ。” (Kyou wa ame ga furu mitai da yo. — Looks like it’s going to rain today.) 

You : “うん。” (Un. — Yeah.) 

うん is perfect when you want to participate in a conversation without adding a full sentence. It signals that you’re paying attention and understanding the context. 

そうなんだ (sou nan da) is casual, while そうなんですか (sou nan desu ka) is polite. Both expressions are used to show you’ve understood something or just realized it. They’re often combined with a nod or other nonverbal cues to show engagement. 

Comparison : 

• English : “I see” / “Oh, that’s right” / “Really?” 

• Filipino : “Ah, ganun ba?” / “Oo, ganun pala.” 

Example : 

Friend : “昨日、渋谷で大きなイベントがあったよ。” (Kinou, Shibuya de ookina ibento ga atta yo. — There was a big event in Shibuya yesterday.) 

 You : “そうなんだ。” (Sou nan da. — Oh, I see.) 

Using そうなんだ gives your conversation a natural flow, letting the speaker know you’re following along without interrupting or asking for repetition. 

なるほど (naruhodo) expresses understanding, realization, or admiration. You can use it after an explanation, demonstration, or when you see something impressive. It shows respect for someone’s insight or reasoning. 

Comparison : 

• English : “Ah, I get it” / “I see” / “That makes sense” 

• Filipino : “Ah, get”

Example : 

Colleague : “この方法なら、作業時間を半分に減らせます。” (Kono houhou nara, sagyou jikan wo hanbun ni herasemasu. — This method can cut our work time in half.) 

You: “なるほど、それは便利ですね。” (Naruhodo, sore wa benri desu ne. — I see, that’s really useful.) 

Using なるほど can make you sound thoughtful and engaged, perfect for work, study, or deeper conversations.