yeh
The English word "water" is yeh in Balinese. Wiktionary also lists yéh and toya.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Ways to say it
| Balinese | IPA |
|---|---|
| yeh | |
| yéh | |
| toya | /tojə/ |
The term refers to the inorganic compound H₂O.
Which one should you use?
yeh is the standard, everyday term for water used in casual conversation. In contrast, toya is a formal or polite form used in respectful contexts or during religious ceremonies.
When do people say it?
In the Hindu culture of Bali, the word Tirtha carries a sacred connotation and is specifically used during religious rituals and ceremonies.
Did you know?
- In traditional Balinese irrigation, known as the Subak system, water management is governed by religious laws. The distribution of yeh is managed by democratic cooperatives linked to water temples.
- The word yeh shares an ancient root with words for 'steam' and 'river' in Proto-Malayo-Polynesian. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the language grouped all flowing or gaseous water together.
Examples in context
- Tiang ngalih yeh.I am looking for water.
Example conversation
Made and Nyoman are talking in the kitchen.
- MadeNyoman, ada yeh?Nyoman, is there any water?
- NyomanAda, niki yehne.Yes, here is the water.
- MadeMatur suksma, Nyoman.Thank you, Nyoman.
- NyomanSama-sama, Made.You're welcome, Made.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries yeh, yéh, toya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toya, yéh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
