так
tak[tak]
The English phrase 'yes' can be expressed in Russian using так (tak). Wiktionary also lists ага́ (ahá, agá).
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| так | tak | [tak] (narrow) | |
| ага́ | ahá, agá | colloquial |
The word так is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance. The word 'Да' is the most common and versatile word for 'yes' in Russian and works in almost any situation. Other ways to express agreement include Верно to politely confirm something as 'correctly', Согласен/согласна to show consent in formal circumstances and Естественно to say 'yes' casually by meaning 'naturally' or 'obviously'.
Which one should you use?
The word да is the most common and direct way to say 'yes', whereas так often functions as a way to confirm a specific state or manner (meaning 'so').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ага́ is a highly informal, colloquial way to say 'yes', similar to the English 'uh-huh' or 'yeah'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tak
Did you know?
- Russian speakers sometimes use да нет to mean 'well, not really', where the word for 'yes' and 'no' are used together to create a soft negative.
- The word да can be used as a particle at the beginning of a sentence to express surprise or disbelief, in which case it functions more like 'Wait, really?' than a 'yes'.
- In Russian, you can say 'yes' to a negative question by using да, but this often means 'yes, what you said is correct' rather than 'yes, I disagree'. This can lead to confusion for English speakers who use 'yes' to contradict a negative premise.
Examples in context
- Да, так и есть.Yes, that is true.This sentence shows how to use так to confirm that something is true.Tatoeba #12827935 by marafon, translation #10620754 by belvis
- Да, я так и думал.Yes, I thought so.This sentence uses так to express that something was thought in a certain way.Tatoeba #5493334 by marafon, translation #4292111 by ddnktr
- Да, боюсь, что так.Yes, I'm afraid so.This sentence uses так to confirm a state or possibility.Tatoeba #3547246 by marafon, translation #35567 by shanghainese
- Вы говорите по-русски?Do you speak Russian?
- Да, я говорю по-русски.Yes, I speak Russian.
- Пойдем на пляж?Shall we go to the beach?
- Конечно!Of course!
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Andrey are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- Ольга OlgaМы поедем в парк в субботу?My poyedem v park v subbotu?Are we going to the park on Saturday?
- Андрей AndreyТак, договорились.Tak, dogovorilis.Yes, it's a deal.
- Ольга OlgaТогда я возьму с собой плед.Togda ya vozmu s soboy pled.Then I will take a blanket with me.
- Андрей AndreyТак, это будет отличная идея.Tak, eto budet otlichnaya ideya.Yes, that will be a great idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries так, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
