General Q: "え？・E?" is it rude?
Is it ok to use this with anyone?
This is equivalent to "ha?" or "what?" in English. So, it's not polite. When we say "not polite", it usually is ok to use in casual settings. 「え？・E?」has a few types and each gives different impressions.
「え？・E?」very short and rising
- Blank look = a quick reaction to show that you didn't hear/catch/get it.
- Surprised look = a quick reaction to show that you are surprised.
- Bitter look = a quick reaction to show that you don't like what you just heard.
「えええ？・Eeee?」longer and rising
- Surprised look = a reaction to show that you are very surprised.
- Bitter look = a reaction to show that you really don't like what you just heard.
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- Bitter 「ええええ？」is often heard when children react to their parent's order/request.
- Bitter 「えええ？」 shows rather intense dissatisfaction. Please be careful if you use it.
- Surprised 「えええ？」is a natural reaction.
- Mellow「えええ？」in a quiet low tone to show that you are confused/don't know what to say. This is not impolite, but use it in casual settings only.
Tip & Comment
「え？・えええ？」is a natural reactions that you hear a lot, and maybe difficult to control, but we recommend not to use "long bitter Eeee?".
Also, Short 「えぇ・Ee」(without rising/?) is a very common way to acknowledge, like "I see", "uh-huh", "right", etc.
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