ναι και όχι
nai kai óchi
The Greek phrase for "yes and no" is ναι και όχι (nai kai óchi).
This phrase is used to indicate that there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer to a question.
Meaning: indicating there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ναι (yes), και (and) and όχι (no).
How do you pronounce it?
nai kai óchi
Did you know?
- While ναι means 'yes' today, it sounds exactly like the English word 'nay' which means 'no'.
- In very informal settings, Greeks might shorten όχι to a simple sharp exhale or a 'tsk' sound to mean 'no'.
- Using this phrase can sometimes be a way to politely decline a definitive stance during a heated Greek debate.
Examples in context
- Θα έρθετε στο πάρτι; – Ναι, σίγουρα!Will you come to the party? – Yes, definitely!
- Μήπως θέλετε να γίνετε μέλος; – Όχι, ευχαριστώWould you like to become a member? – No, thank you
- Πάντα λέει ναι και όχι.Panta lei nai kai ochi.He always says yes and no.
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are discussing whether a movie was good.
- Μαρία MariaΣου άρεσε η ταινία, Δημήτρη;Sou arese i tainia, Dimitri?Did you like the movie, Dimitris?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι και όχι, η πλοκή ήταν αργή.Ne kai ochi, i ploki itan argi.Yes and no, the plot was slow.
- Μαρία MariaΑλλά η φωτογραφία ήταν υπέροχη!Alla i fotografia itan yperochi!But the cinematography was wonderful!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣε αυτό έχεις απόλυτο δίκιο.Se afto echeis apolyto dikio.You are absolutely right about that.
