ya
/ˈja/
In Indonesian, "yes" is said as ya.
The word ya is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. Beyond being a simple affirmative, it can function as a filler word or be used at the end of a sentence as a confirmation particle to mean "right?" or "isn't it?"
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While English uses "yes" strictly as an affirmative, Indonesian uses ya more broadly to seek confirmation or act as a filler. For expressing strong affirmation of a discussion, you might use Benar. For expressing certainty in a formal way, use Tentu. If you want to convey acceptance or confirmation in a formal context, Betul is also commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈja/
Did you know?
- The word ya might actually be a shortened form of saya, which means 'I' or 'me'.
- If the Dutch influence theory is correct, the Indonesian ya is a distant linguistic relative of the English 'yea' or 'yes'.
- In social interactions, ya is often used as a soft marker to maintain harmony and avoid the bluntness of a direct 'yes'.
Examples in context
- Ya, dia ada di rumah.Yes, she's at home.This sentence shows how to use ya as an affirmative.Tatoeba #12203177 by Pacific, translation #3143713 by ddnktr
- Ya, dengan senang hati.Yes, gladly.This sentence shows how to use ya to express agreement.Tatoeba #5163964 by Bilmanda, translation #2130377 by AlanF_US
- Ya, dia tinggal di sini.Yes, he lives here.Tatoeba #11756298 by Pacific, translation #10983824 by Elaineeeeee
- Apakah Anda setuju dengan usulan ini?Do you agree with this proposal?
- Ya, saya sepakat.Yes, I agree.
- Mau ikut nonton film?Do you want to come watch a movie?
- Iya, tentu saja!Yes, of course!
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rian and Sari are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- RianSari, apakah kamu lapar?Sari, are you hungry?
- SariYa, saya lapar sekali.Yes, I am very hungry.
- RianApakah kita mau makan nasi goreng?Do we want to eat fried rice?
- SariYa, itu ide bagus.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
