gēse, ic eom
The English phrase "yes, I am" is translated into Old English as gēse, ic eom.
This phrase is used to confirm a statement or to answer a question in the affirmative.
Did you know?
- In Old English poetry, the phrase ic eom was often used to introduce a 'boast', where a warrior would state their identity and achievements to an audience.
- In Old English, the verb 'to be' was formed from two different Proto-Indo-European roots, making its conjugation far more irregular than most other verbs.
- The word eom shares a deep ancestral root with the Greek word εἰμί (eimí), meaning 'I am'.
Example conversation
Eadric and Eadgyth are talking about their roles in a task.
- EadricEart þū se hlāford?Are you the lord?
- EadgythGēse, ic eom.Yes, I am.
- EadricHēr is þīn bōc.Here is your book.
- EadgythIc þancie þē, Eadric.I thank you, Eadric.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eom, ic, CC BY-SA 4.0.
