haa
The Somali word for "yes" is haa.
haa is a basic and neutral particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
haa is the direct opposite of maya, which means "no".
Did you know?
- While haa is the literal word for 'yes', Somalis often repeat the main verb of a question to confirm agreement instead of using a single particle.
- When responding to an elder, a younger person might pair haa with the word adeer or eedo to show respect, as a standalone 'yes' can sometimes feel too abrupt.
- Because Somali is a Cushitic language, its system of affirmation like haa differs fundamentally from the Indo-European roots found in English, Spanish or French.
Examples in context
- Haa, waan aqaan.Yes, I know.
- Haa, waa sax.Yes, that is correct.
- Haa, waan imaanayaa.Yes, I am coming.
Example conversation
Mustafa asks Nimco if she is hungry.
- MustafaNimco, ma gaajaysan tahay?Nimco, are you hungry?
- NimcoHaa, aad baan u gaajaysanahay.Yes, I am very hungry.
- MustafaMa rabtaa inaan wax kuu keeno?Do you want me to bring you something?
- NimcoHaa, fadlan.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries haa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
