ja
/jɑː/
In Swedish, 'yes' is ja.
The word ja is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun referring to an answer that shows agreement, or as an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ja is the standard way to say yes, the colloquial version japp is often used in casual conversation. To express stronger agreement in informal situations, you can use the phrase Ja, precis, which combines ja with precis (exactly).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern parts of Sweden, the variation Ja, joh is predominantly heard. It is used to express agreement or to contradict a negative statement.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In addition to the particle ja, there is an informal positive response Jo which is typically used when contradicting a negative statement or expressing nuanced agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɑː/
Did you know?
- While ja is the basic word for 'yes', Swedes use jo specifically to answer 'yes' to a question phrased negatively. Using ja in this context can sound like you are agreeing with the negative premise rather than contradicting it.
- In casual speech, Swedes often use ja as a 'backchannel' signal to show they are listening. This means they may say ja dozens of times during a story without actually agreeing to anything.
- The Swedish word ja shares a common ancestor with the English word 'yea', both originating from the same Proto-Germanic root.
Examples in context
- Varför sa du ja?Why did you say yes?This sentence is useful for asking why someone said ja.Tatoeba #4326105 by richke, translation #3818360 by CK
- Ja, jag är gift.Yes, I am married.This sentence uses ja to confirm a statement.Tatoeba #11230933 by Pineapple, translation #773378 by marloncori
- Vi säger bara ja.Let's just say yes.This sentence uses ja to express a decision to agree.Tatoeba #3717228 by herrsilen, translation #2007783 by CK
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Oscar are discussing whether to go for a walk.
- AliceVill du gå en promenad?Do you want to go for a walk?
- OscarJa, det vill jag gärna.Yes, I would love to.
- AliceSka vi gå nu?Shall we go now?
- OscarJa, låt oss gå.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
