हाँ
hā̃/ɦɑ̃ː/
In Hindi, 'yes' is expressed as हाँ (hā̃). Wiktionary also lists जी (jī) and जी हाँ (jī hā̃).
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| हाँ | hā̃ | /ɦɑ̃ː/ (Hindi, Standard) | |
| जी | jī | /d͡ʒiː/ (Hindi, Standard) | polite |
| जी हाँ | jī hā̃ | /d͡ʒiː ɦɑ̃ː/ (Hindi, Standard) | polite |
The word हाँ is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. In casual conversation, it is often used as a filler or to confirm one's attention, similar to 'yeah' or 'uh-huh' in English.
Which one should you use?
While हाँ is a standard 'yes', the single word जी can also function as a polite 'yes' or an acknowledgment. जी हाँ is a more formal and respectful way to say 'yes' than the standard हाँ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For polite and respectful situations, you should use जी or जी हाँ. In informal conversations, the expression अरे हाँ is used to show enthusiasm or excitement while agreeing.
How do you pronounce it?
hā̃
Did you know?
- While हाँ is the dictionary word for 'yes', many Hindi speakers indicate agreement using a slight side-to-side head bobble instead of a word.
- The word हाँ is believed to be a variant of ॐ (om), the sacred syllable used in Vedic chants and meditation.
- Adding जी to the end of a person's name or title is a common way to show respect, even if you are not saying 'yes'.
Examples in context
- हाँ।Yes.This sentence is useful for a simple way to say 'Yes'.Tatoeba #477093 by anushka, translation #477086 by soweli_Elepanto
- हाँ। यह सही है।Yes. That's right.This sentence shows how to use हाँ to confirm a statement is correct.Tatoeba #588551 by minshirui, translation #433817 by CK
- बस हाँ कह देते हैं।Let's just say yes.This sentence demonstrates the use of हाँ within a larger phrase.Tatoeba #3617305 by sabretou, translation #2007783 by CK
- क्या आपने मेरी रिपोर्ट पढ़ी है? | हां, मैंने आपकी रिपोर्ट पढ़ी है।Did you read my report? – Yes, I have read your report.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amit asks Priya if she wants to go to the market.
- अमित Amitक्या तुम बाज़ार जाओगी?Kya tum bāzār jāogī?Will you go to the market?
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ, मैं जाऊँगी।Hā̃, main jāūngī.Yes, I will go.
- अमित Amitक्या तुम्हें कुछ चाहिए?Kya tumhe kuch chāhiye?Do you need anything?
- प्रिया Priyaनहीं, बस अभी के लिए इतना ही।Nahī̃, bas abhī ke liye itnā hī.No, just this much for now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries हाँ, जी, जी हाँ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries जी, हाँ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
