já
The Old Norse word for "yes" is já.
The word já is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Did you know?
- If you were asking a question in Old Norse, 'yes' was rarely a simple 'já'. Instead, speakers often repeated the verb used in the question to create an affirmative response.
Examples in context
- Já, ek vil.Yes, I want to.
- Já, ek sé þat.Yes, I see it.
Example conversation
Olaf asks Astrid if she is hungry.
- OlafErtu hungruð, Ástríðr?Are you hungry, Astrid?
- AstridJá, ek em hungruð.Yes, I am hungry.
- OlafViltu mat nú?Do you want food now?
- AstridJá, þǫkk.Yes, thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries já, CC BY-SA 4.0.
