Ways to say it
| Slovak | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| áno | /aːnɔ/ | |
| no | informal |
The word is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. While áno is the standard way to express affirmation, other forms like no or okej can be used depending on the social context.
Which one should you use?
Áno is the standard, neutral way to say yes. In contrast, no is an informal particle often used during conversation to confirm a point or act as a filler to show agreement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Áno is the most common and neutral form suitable for most situations. No and okej are informal, while hej is also an informal version of yes. If you want to say "I agree" specifically, you would use súhlasím.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Hej is an informal version of yes that is commonly used in the Western and Central parts of Slovakia.
How do you pronounce it?
/aːnɔ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful not to confuse the Slovak word no with the English word "no". In Slovak, no is frequently used to mean "yes" or "yeah" in informal contexts, rather than expressing negation.
When do people say it?
Beyond simple agreement, there are several idiomatic ways to express affirmation in Slovak. You might say práve tak to mean "exactly so", or use the phrase jasná vec (literally "clear thing") and its variation no jasné to indicate that something is obvious or certain.
Did you know?
- The word áno is inherited from the Proto-Slavic form *ano.
- The word no in Slovak often functions as a filler particle during conversation to show the listener is following along. It does not always signal a definitive 'yes' but rather a continuing flow of agreement.
Examples in context
- Áno, je to pes.Yes, it is a dog.This sentence shows how to use áno to identify an object.Tatoeba #9855836 by Dominika7, translation #5228521 by solejar
- Áno, je to tak.Yes, that's right.This sentence demonstrates using áno to confirm a statement.Tatoeba #12686746 by Dominika7, translation #8873672 by sundown
- Áno, to dáva zmysel.Yes, that makes sense.This sentence illustrates using áno to indicate that something makes sense.Tatoeba #9805565 by Dominika7, translation #8993942 by shekitten
- Váš návrh je veľmi zaujímavý. Áno, s tým súhlasím.Your proposal is very interesting. Yes, I agree.
- S Vaším názorom súhlasím.I agree with your opinion.
- Chcela by som ísť na tú prehliadku. Práve tak!I would like to go on that tour. Exactly so!
- Budeš s nami na párty? No jasné!Will you join us at the party? Of course!
- Dáš si ešte jedno pivo? Okej!Will you have another beer? OK!
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Peter and Dana are deciding if they should go for a walk.
- DanaChceš ísť von?Do you want to go outside?
- PeterÁno, môžeme.Yes, we can.
- DanaJe tam pekné počasie?Is the weather nice there?
- PeterÁno, je veľmi príjemné.Yes, it is very pleasant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries áno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries áno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
