ja
/jaː/
The English word 'yes' is translated into Dutch as ja.
ja is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also be used as an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ja is the standard word for agreement, the verb beamen is used to describe the specific act of affirming or confirming something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/jaː/
Did you know?
- In some Dutch dialects, saying ja with a specific rising intonation can actually function as a 'no' or express skepticism about the statement being made.
- In Dutch, saying ja repeatedly in a row, such as ja, ja, can actually sound dismissive or impatient rather than enthusiastic.
- The word ja shares the same Proto-Germanic root as the English 'yea' and the German 'ja', making it a linguistic sibling to many other Western European affirmative terms.
Examples in context
- Ja dat kan ik.Yes, I can.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of ja in a statement of ability.Tatoeba #7142009 by Micsmithel, translation #35568 by AlanF_US
- Ja. Ik ben Tom.Yes. I am Tom.This sentence is useful for using ja to introduce oneself.Tatoeba #10014884 by MarijnKp, translation #11272344 by Aphima
- Ja, wat is het?Yes, what is it?This sentence is useful for using ja to ask a follow-up question.Tatoeba #12261433 by Ag12x, translation #11157233 by sundown
- 226 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Emma are deciding whether to go for a walk.
- NoahZullen we even een stukje wandelen?Shall we go for a little walk?
- EmmaJa, dat is een goed idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- NoahWil je je jas aantrekken?Do you want to put on your coat?
- EmmaJa, dat doe ik meteen.Yes, I will do that right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
