jah
/ˈjɑh/
The English word 'yes' is translated into Estonian as jah. Wiktionary also lists jaa.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Estonian | IPA |
|---|---|
| jah | /ˈjɑh/ |
| jaa |
In Estonian, jah is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance. While jah is the most straightforward and universal way to express affirmation, speakers may also use the informal loanword okei to mean 'okay' or 'yes'.
Which one should you use?
The forms jah and jaa both represent 'yes'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈjɑh/
Did you know?
- While jah means 'yes', Estonians often answer questions by repeating the verb used in the question rather than using a dedicated word for 'yes'.
- Because Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language, the affirmative jah stands out as a rare Germanic or Scandinavian loanword in an otherwise non-Indo-European phonetic landscape.
- In casual Estonian conversation, jah is often shortened to a simple ja, which is also the word for 'and'.
Examples in context
- Jah, see on minu kodu.Yes this is my home.This sentence shows how to use jah to confirm a statement about a home.Tatoeba #956042 by hubin, translation #11277391 by twentyplus
- Jah. Õhk on väga niiske.Yes. The air is very humid.This sentence shows how to use jah to confirm a statement about the air.Tatoeba #4340610 by keegi, translation #4308840 by monahxo
- Ma oleksin pidanud ütlema jah.I would've said yes.This sentence shows how to use jah as a direct object in a sentence.Tatoeba #3858738 by Maasikas, translation #3786184 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Toomas and Mari are deciding what to eat.
- ToomasKas sa tahad pitsat?Do you want pizza?
- MariJah, see kõlab hästi.Yes, that sounds good.
- ToomasKas me tellime siis nügu?Shall we order now then?
- MariJah, palun.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries jah, jaa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
