да, я
da, ya[ˈda ja]word by word
The English phrase "yes, I am" can be translated into Russian as да, я (da, ya).
This phrase is used as a short response to confirm that a statement made about the speaker is true.
How do you pronounce it?
da, ya
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, да can be used as a question to mean 'really?' or a command to mean 'give!', which is entirely different from its use in да, я.
- In some informal contexts, Russians may respond to a question with ну да, which adds a nuance of 'well, yes' or 'obviously', changing the tone from simple confirmation to slight impatience.
- While да means 'yes', using it repeatedly in a conversation to agree with everything someone says can be perceived as passive or bored rather than polite.
Examples in context
- Да, я готов.Da, ya gotov.Yes, I am ready.
Example conversation
Alexander and Anastasia are meeting for the first time at a party.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАлександр, вы новый сосед?Aleksandr, vy novyy sosed?Alexander, are you the new neighbor?
- Александр AleksandrДа, я только что переехал.Da, ya tol'ko chto pereyehal.Yes, I just moved in.
- Анастасия AnastasiaВы из Москвы?Vy iz Moskvy?Are you from Moscow?
- Александр AleksandrДа, я из Москвы.Da, ya iz Moskvy.Yes, I am from Moscow.
