ja
In Norwegian, the word for yes is ja.
The most common and simple way to say yes in Norwegian is ja, which functions as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance. Depending on the context, it can also be used as a noun to refer to an answer that shows agreement or acceptance. For more nuanced agreement, you might use other terms: Selvfølgelig means of course and is used to express agreement politely. Det stemmer translates to that's correct and can be used to confirm information or express agreement formally. And Sikkert means sure or certainly and serves as a casual way of showing agreement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ja is the standard way to say yes, if you need to contradict a negative statement or question to imply a positive response, use the word jo.
Related words
Did you know?
- Norwegians often use ja as a filler word during a conversation, similar to how English speakers use 'uh-huh' or 'right'. In this context, it does not mean the person agrees with you, but simply that they are listening.
- The word ja is etymologically related to the English word 'yea', which is an archaic way of saying 'yes' in English-speaking contexts.
- If you want to say 'yes' with much more emphasis or enthusiasm, Norwegians often double the word to say ja, ja, though context is key to ensure it does not sound dismissive.
Examples in context
- Ja, av og til.Yes, sometimes.This sentence shows how to use ja to agree with a frequency.Tatoeba #12474975 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #1349250 by sacredceltic
- Ja, det var bra.Yes, it was good.This sentence shows how to use ja to confirm a quality.Tatoeba #10943560 by Mayk, translation #10939552 by CK
- Ja, men du er en gutt.Yes, but you're a boy.This sentence shows how to use ja to introduce a contrasting statement.Tatoeba #12732904 by augine, translation #12732874 by menaud
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakob and Sofie are deciding what to do in the afternoon.
- JakobVil du gå på kino i dag?Do you want to go to the cinema today?
- SofieJa, det vil jeg gjerne.Yes, I would love to.
- JakobSkal vi spise pizza etterpå?Shall we eat pizza afterwards?
- SofieJa, det høres perfekt ut.Yes, that sounds perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
