Aizuchi are considered reassuring to the speaker, indicating that the listener is active and involved in the discussion.
[1] Common aizuchi include: These have a similar function to English "yeah", "yup", "OK", "really?
Aizuchi are frequently misinterpreted by non-native speakers as the listener showing agreement and approval.
[3] Business relations in particular can be hampered by non-native speakers assuming that their Japanese counterparts have been agreeing to their suggestions all along, especially with hai (はい, "yes"), when the native Japanese speaker meant only that they follow or understand the suggestions – "got it", not "agreed".
[4] Aizuchi can also take the form of so-called echo questions, which consist of a noun plus desu ka (ですか).