ee
The English word "yes" is translated into Sepedi as ee.
ee is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
ee is the direct opposite of aowa, which means "no".
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis, you can add the particle mme after ee to form ee mme, which functions like saying "yes indeed" or "yes, truly" in English.
Did you know?
- The emphatic ee mme uses the word mme, which also means 'mother' in Sepedi, though in this phrase it functions purely as an intensifying particle.
- While ee means 'yes', it is often used as a 'back-channeling' device in conversation, meaning the speaker is just signaling that they are listening rather than actually agreeing with a statement.
- In many Sepedi-speaking communities, simply saying ee might be perceived as too abrupt or even disrespectful in certain formal social settings. It is often more polite to use a full sentence or a more elaborate phrase to show proper deference to elders.
Examples in context
- Ee, ke a kwešiša.Yes, I understand.
- Ee, ke kgona go tla.Yes, I can come.
- Ee, ke nna.Yes, it is me.
Example conversation
Tshepiso is asking Katlego if he is ready.
- TshepisoNa o šetše o itokiseditše, Katlego?Are you ready, Katlego?
- KatlegoEe, ke itokiseditše.Yes, I am ready.
- TshepisoRe tlo tsamaya bjale?Shall we leave now?
- KatlegoEe, a re yeng.Yes, let's go.
