já
[ˈjauː]
The English word "yes" is translated into Icelandic as já.
já is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can function as a standalone response to a question or as a filler or conjunction used to begin a sentence.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Did you know?
- Icelandic speakers often use já to begin a sentence when they are about to disagree or provide a correction, functioning like the English 'well' or 'actually'.
- The word já is a direct relative of the English 'yea' used in archaic or poetic contexts, sharing the same Proto-Germanic roots.
- In certain contexts, a very short, sharp já can be used to express impatience or to signal that the speaker wants the other person to stop talking.
Examples in context
- Já, takk.Yes, please.This example shows how to use já with a polite request.Tatoeba #10628650 by nipbud, translation #687874 by lukaszpp
- Já, en það verður erfitt.Yes, but it'll be difficult.This sentence demonstrates using já to introduce a contrasting statement.Tatoeba #388935 by Swift, translation #35579 by Dejo
- Hann mun ekki segja „já“.He will not say yes.This sentence illustrates the use of já as a quoted word within a sentence.Tatoeba #1337016 by Swift, translation #291944 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sigríður asks Gunnar if he wants coffee.
- SigríðurViltu kaffi, Gunnar?Do you want coffee, Gunnar?
- GunnarJá, takk fyrir.Yes, thank you.
- SigríðurViltu mjólku í kaffið?Do you want milk in the coffee?
- GunnarJá, takk.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries já, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries já, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
