ndiyo
The Swahili word for yes is ndiyo.
Ndiyo is used to indicate agreement, to answer affirmative questions or to confirm a statement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Did you know?
- In certain coastal regions of East Africa, a polite 'yes' to an elder may be accompanied by a slight bow or a lowering of the gaze to show respect.
- The word ndiyo is grammatically composed of the demonstrative particle ndi- and the pronoun -yo, making its literal translation 'it is so' or 'it is that'.
- While ndiyo is the standard way to say 'yes', in many coastal regions, people may simply reply with a rhythmic, repetitive e-e-e to show they are following a conversation.
Examples in context
- Akili yangu inasema ndiyo, lakini dhamira yangu inasema la.My brain says yes, but my gut says no.This sentence shows how to use ndiyo when expressing a conflict between one's thoughts and one's intuition.Tatoeba #10881329 by ecorralest101, translation #6033630 by mailohilohi
- Tunakupangia mkutano Jumatano saa tano. Je, una shida na tarehe hiyo? Ndiyo, sina shida.We have scheduled a meeting for you on Wednesday at five. Do you have any problem with that date? Yes, I have no problem.
- Unataka kutembea na mimi kesho? Ee, ningependa sana.Do you want to go for a walk with me tomorrow? Yes, I would love to.
- Tutakutana kesho jioni katika eneo la sanaa. Je, utakuwepo? Ndiyo, sawa.We will meet tomorrow evening at the art area. Will you be there? Yes, okay.
- Ndiyo, nimeelewa.Yes, I understand.
- Je, unataka chai? Ndiyo.Do you want tea? Yes.
Example conversation
Said asks Neema if she is ready to go.
- SaidNeema, uko tayari kwenda?Neema, are you ready to go?
- NeemaNdiyo, niko tayari.Yes, I am ready.
- SaidTunaweza kuondoka sasa?Can we leave now?
- NeemaNdiyo, twende.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ndiyo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ndiyo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
