ئەرێ
erê
The English word 'yes' is translated into Kurdish as ئەرێ (erê). Wiktionary also lists بەڵێ (bellê) and ئا (a).
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Kurdish | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ئەرێ | erê |
| بەڵێ | bellê |
| ئا | a |
In Kurdish, these words are used as particles to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Which one should you use?
ئەرێ is a casual or colloquial way to say yes, while ئا is a very informal, clipped particle used in casual speech similar to the English 'yeah' or 'uh-huh'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ئەرێ is the more casual or colloquial form. ئا is a very informal particle used in casual speech. Note that while not explicitly listed as a separate form in the primary list, Haa functions as an informal way to say 'yeah' or 'yep'.
How do you pronounce it?
erê
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, using ئەرێ at the beginning of a sentence can function as a question particle, turning a statement into a question like 'Right?' or 'Isn't it?'
- In some contexts, a speaker might respond to a question with بەڵێ even if they are about to disagree, using it as a polite 'acknowledgment' of the question before correcting the premise.
- In certain social contexts, using the very informal ئا to respond to an elder could be perceived as dismissive or even rude rather than just casual.
Examples in context
- بەڵێ، ئەوم ماچ کرد.Yes, I kissed him.This example shows how to use بەڵێ to confirm an action.Tatoeba #9798533 by Sarchia, translation #2260408 by Hybrid
- بەڵێ، ئەوەندەی من بزانم.Yes, as far as I know.This example uses بەڵێ to express the extent of one's knowledge.Tatoeba #10310742 by Sarchia, translation #774268 by FeuDRenais2
- بەڵێ، چەندین ساڵ لەوێ ژیام.Yes, I lived there for many years.This example uses بەڵێ to confirm a past period of residence.Tatoeba #10611428 by Sarchia, translation #2093390 by gleki
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rojda and Heval are deciding what to eat.
- Rojdaتۆ برسییت؟Are you hungry?
- Hevalئەرێ، زۆر برسییم.Yes, I am very hungry.
- Rojdaپیزای بخۆین؟Shall we eat pizza?
- Hevalئەرێ، با بچین.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ئا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
