How to say "uh-huh" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

ウンウン
interjectionThe ordinary backchannel hum showing you are listening or agreeing. Use it when nodding along in conversation, as in 'Uh-huh, I see.'
「うんうん」彼かれは言いった。↗
"Oh, yes," he answered.
ふんふん
interjectionAnother backchannel hum of listening or agreement, close to ウンウン in use. It is a common conversational filler but less often written down.
ふむふむ
expressionA murmured uh-huh indicating comprehension or approval, often while following someone's explanation. Colloquial, and heard a good deal when a listener is processing what is being said.
んだ
interjectionThis is really a spoken answer meaning 'that's right' or 'yes', not a listening hum. Use it to confirm something, not to keep a speaker talking.
然しか
interjectionSeldom the word you want for 'uh-huh'; it is really a written equivalent of 'yeah'. Rare in everyday speech, so learners should generally not reach for it.

For a listening/backchannel 'uh-huh' use 「ウンウン」, 「ふんふん」 or 「ふむふむ」; 「んだ」 is a spoken affirmative answer, while 然 is a rare written form of 'yeah'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

Say it right, write it right