ġēa
The English phrase "yes" is translated into Old English as ġēa. Wiktionary also lists ġīese.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Old English |
|---|
| ġēa |
| ġīese |
The words in this group are particles used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Related words
Did you know?
- While ġēa is the ancestor of 'yea', the modern English word 'yes' comes from ġīese , probably ġēa joined with sīe , 'so be it'.
- The letter ġ in ġēa was not a hard 'g' like in 'gold' but was pronounced as a 'y' sound. To a modern ear, the word would sound more like 'yea'.
Examples in context
- Eala, þæt is soþ.Indeed, that is true.
- Ġēa, hit is sōð.Yes, it is true.
- Hwæt, ġēa, ic wāt.Lo, yes, I know.
Example conversation
Osric asks Mildryth if she is ready to depart.
- OsricMildryth, wilt þū gān nū?Mildryth, do you want to go now?
- MildrythĠēa, ic eom gearu.Yes, I am ready.
- OsricSēo sunne gǣþ tō setle.The sun is setting.
- MildrythĠēa, uton gān.Yes, let us go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
