ano
[ˈano]
The English word 'yes' is ano in Czech.
Ano is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can be used as a standalone particle to confirm a statement or answer a question. It also functions as a noun meaning an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
Ano is the direct antonym of ne, which means 'no'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ano is the standard, polite and formal way to say 'yes'. In casual conversation among friends or in informal settings, the common equivalent is jo, which means 'yeah' or 'yep'. To informally express agreement, you can also use the phrase no tak, which means 'well then'.
Related words
Did you know?
- In very informal Czech, you might hear people say no to mean 'yes' or 'well, yeah', which is the exact opposite of its meaning in English.
- The informal word jo is often used by Czech speakers as a filler word or a way to signal they are listening, rather than as a literal agreement to a question.
- In very formal or old-fashioned Czech, ano was sometimes used as a way to acknowledge a superior, similar to 'yes sir' or 'yes ma'am'.
Examples in context
- Ano, bylo to dobré.Yes, it was good.This sentence uses ano to confirm a past quality.Tatoeba #10939721 by Ergulis, translation #10939552 by CK
- Odpověď zní ano i ne.The answer is both yes and no.This sentence uses ano as part of a noun phrase describing an answer.Tatoeba #4448833 by lipao, translation #4225696 by Hybrid
- Ano, dneska je pátek.Yes, today is Friday.This sentence uses ano to confirm a fact about the day.Tatoeba #10141349 by aldar, translation #1764759 by AlanF_US
- Můžeš mi pomoci?Can you help me?
- Ano, rád vám pomohu.Yes, I'd be happy to help you.
- No tak, jasně!Well then, sure!
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jana asks Jan if he wants some coffee.
- JanaChceš kávu, Jane?Do you want some coffee, Jan?
- JanAno, prosím.Yes, please.
- JanaDáš si ji s mlékem?Will you have it with milk?
- JanAno, to je lepší.Yes, that is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
