hayi
[ɦǎ̤ːji]
The Xhosa word for "no" is hayi.
hayi is a particle used to express negation or to answer "no" to a question.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Did you know?
- When someone asks if you want more food, answering with a firm hayi can be seen as rejecting their hospitality. It is more culturally appropriate to use a phrase that implies 'I am satisfied' rather than a flat 'no'.
- Xhosa belongs to the Nguni branch of Bantu languages, and you will find very similar forms of 'no' in Zulu, though the melodic inflection and social usage of hayi differ between the two groups.
- Xhosa is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying hayi can shift the emotion from a gentle decline to a sharp, authoritative command.
Examples in context
- Hayi, kusekuhle, akukho ngxaki.No, everything's fine, there’s no problem.This sentence shows how to use hayi to say that there is no problem.Tatoeba #9204187 by Monde, translation #9204188 by Monde
- Hayi, andifuni.No, I don't want to.This sentence demonstrates using hayi to express that you do not want something.Tatoeba #4871208 by zvzuibqx, translation #1981493 by Spamster
- Ndingakunceda? Hayi, kulungile.Can I help you? No, it’s ok.This sentence illustrates a refusal using hayi.Tatoeba #9247038 by Monde, translation #9247039 by Monde
- Hayi, andikho.No, I am not there.
Example conversation
Lwazi asks Nomvula if she is tired.
- LwaziUyadinwa, Nomvula?Are you tired, Nomvula?
- NomvulaHayi, andidinwa kwaphela.No, I am not tired at all.
- LwaziUfuna ukutya ngoku?Do you want to eat now?
- NomvulaHayi, ndisandukutya.No, I just ate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hayi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
