тийм
tiim
In Mongolian, 'yes' is said as тийм (tiim).
The word тийм is the most common and neutral way to express agreement or acceptance in Mongolian. While it functions as the particle for 'yes' when responding to a question, it also frequently serves as an adjective meaning 'such' or 'that kind of'. To add more emphasis to your agreement, you can use the phrase Тийм байна, which means 'It is' or 'That's right'.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While тийм is the standard particle for 'yes', you may encounter different forms depending on the context. тийм ээ is a very common way to say 'yes' in a natural, affirmative way by adding the particle ээ to the base word. Additionally, the colloquial form тиймээ is often used in spoken conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a response to a question, тийм functions as a particle for 'yes'. In other contexts, it can function as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
tiim
Did you know?
- While тийм is the word for 'yes', Mongolians often answer a negative question by repeating the negative verb instead of saying 'yes' to avoid contradiction.
- Mongolian has no single word that perfectly maps to the English 'yes' in every scenario, as agreement is often expressed by echoing the verb used by the speaker.
- In casual Mongolian speech, the word тиймээ is frequently used as a filler word similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' to keep the listener engaged.
Examples in context
- Тийм үү, үгүй юу?Yes or no?This example shows how to use тийм in a 'yes or no' question.Tatoeba #9757594 by Alkrasnov, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- – Та үзэгтэй юү? – тийм."Do you have a pen?" "Yes."This example demonstrates a simple affirmative response using тийм.Tatoeba #8966673 by SirCourgette, translation #3835710 by Joseph
- Тиймээ, би Испаниар ярьдаг.Yes, I speak Spanish.This example shows the use of тиймээ in a sentence.Tatoeba #9814974 by Alkrasnov, translation #687868 by lukaszpp
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding whether to go to the cinema.
- Бат BatЧи кино үзэх үү?Chi kino üzekh üü?Do you want to watch a movie?
- Оюункая OyunkayaТийм, би үзэхийг хүсэж байна.Tiim, bi üzekhig khüsej baina.Yes, I want to watch one.
- Бат BatОройдоо явах уу?Oroidoo yavakh uu?Shall we go in the evening?
- Оюункая OyunkayaТийм, тэр нь тохиромжтой.Tiim, ter ni tokhiromjtoi.Yes, that works.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries тийм, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
