כֵּן
ken
The English word "yes" is translated into Hebrew as כֵּן (ken). Wiktionary also lists הֵן (hen).
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| כֵּן | ken | |
| הֵן | hen | formal, rare |
The word is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance. Note that if you wish to express an exclamation of pleasure, joy or great excitement, a different word, יש!, is used instead.
Which one should you use?
כֵּן is the standard form, while הֵן is a formal and rare variation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
הֵן is marked as formal and rare.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ken
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, the concept of 'yes' is often replaced by repeating the verb used in the question, rather than just using the particle כֵּן.
- The exclamation יש! (literally 'there is') is the standard way to shout 'yes!' when something good happens, such as scoring a goal.
- While כֵּן means 'yes', it is also the Hebrew word for 'so' or 'thus', making it useful for both agreement and direction.
Examples in context
- כֵּן, אני מסכים עם זה.ken, ani maskim im ze.Yes, I agree with that.
- האם את רוצה ללכת? כֵּן.ha'im at rotsa lalechet? ken.Do you want to go? Yes.
- כֵּן, זה נכון מאוד.ken, ze nachon me'od.Yes, that is very true.
Example conversation
Ido is asking Maya if she is ready to leave.
- עידו Idoמאיה, את מוכנה לצאת?Maya, at muchana latzet?Maya, are you ready to leave?
- מאיה Mayaכֵּן, אני כבר בדלת.ken, ani kvar ba-delet.Yes, I am already at the door.
- עידו Idoאת לקחת את המפתחות?at lakacht et ha-maftechot?Did you take the keys?
- מאיה Mayaכן, הם בתיק שלי.ken, hem ba-tik sheli.Yes, they are in my bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
