Negative questions

In Japanese はい is used like “yes” and いいえ is used like “no.” But はい is not the same as “yes” and いいえ is not quite the same as “no.” You can see this difference in answers to negative questions.

ひろし、あなたは一緒に来ないのですか？ Aren’t you coming with us, Hiroshi?

いいえ、行きます。 Yes, I am.

This example clearly shows that いいえ is not equal to “no”. The key to understanding this conversation is that we respond to the questioner’s intention, judgment or implied message. The question 一緒に来ないのですか reflects the judgment of the questioner that Hiroshi is not coming. As Hiroshi has decided that he will come, the questioner’s judgment is wrong. To respond to the incorrect judgment, Hiroshi said いいえ. When we negate the questioner’s judgment, we say いいえ.

ひろし、一緒に来ませんか？ Why don’t you come with us, Hiroshi?

いいえ。行きません。 No, I won’t.

This time いいえ is used just like “no”. Though the question is in a negative form, the questioner’s intention is to invite Hiroshi to come. As Hiroshi has decided that he will not come, he said いいえ to turn down speaker’s invitation. いいえ negates the questioner’s intention.

Japanese Version
http://meadowlake001.blogspot.jp/2015/01/negative-questions-japanese-version.html

Tips on Japanese (Web site)
http://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/~meadowlake/