inde
/ˈi.ⁿdé/
The English word 'yes' is translated to Chichewa as inde.
inde is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. To express enthusiasm when saying you want something, you can add kwambiri (meaning 'very much') after the verb ndikufuna.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈi.ⁿdé/.
Did you know?
- When a question is asked, the most natural way to say 'yes' is often to simply repeat the verb from the question itself.
- There is a distinction between inde as a factual agreement and the use of the word ee to signify a casual or informal 'yes' in rapid conversation.
- You can use inde as a 'backchannel' filler word to show you are listening, much like the English 'uh-huh'.
Examples in context
- Kodi mukufuna zochokera pamsika?Do you want something from the market?
- Ana awo akufuna kudya chips?Do they want to eat chips?
- Inde, ndidzapita.Yes, I will go.
- Inde, ndikudziwa.Yes, I know.
- Inde, ndikufuna mphatso ija.Yes, I want that gift.
Example conversation
Kondani asks Tionda if he is ready to leave.
- KondaniTionda, kodi ndipo?Tionda, are you ready?
- TiondaInde, ndine wokonzeka.Yes, I am ready.
- KondaniTiyeni tipite panopa.Let's go now.
- TiondaChabwino, tiyeni.Alright, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries inde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
