bẹ́ẹ̀ ni
In Yoruba, 'yes' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, with bẹ́ẹ̀ ni being the standard form. Wiktionary also lists bẹ́ẹ̀ náà ni and hẹn.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Yoruba | Note |
|---|---|
| bẹ́ẹ̀ ni | |
| bẹ́ẹ̀ náà ni | |
| hẹn | informal |
The word is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bẹ́ẹ̀ ni literally translates to 'that is so' or 'it is so'.
Which one should you use?
While bẹ́ẹ̀ ni is a standard affirmation, bẹ́ẹ̀ náà ni is used specifically to say 'yes, that is also the case' or 'that is also true'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bẹ́ẹ̀ ni is used to affirm agreement or consent in formal settings. In contrast, hẹn is an informal, colloquial way to say 'yes', similar to 'yeah' in English.
Related words
Did you know?
- When replying to a question in Yoruba, it is common to repeat the main verb of the question instead of using bẹ́ẹ̀ ni to be more precise.
- In Yoruba culture, saying 'yes' to an elder or a superior often requires a subtle physical accompaniment, such as a slight bow or a specific nod, to convey the necessary respect.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning that if the tone of bẹ́ẹ̀ ni is shifted, it could be misunderstood or sound unnatural to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo gbọ́ ẹ.Yes, I hear you.
- Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, a lè lọ báyìí.Yes, we can go now.
Example conversation
Femi is asking Yejide if she is ready to leave.
- FemiYejide, ǹjẹ́ o ti ṣe tán?Yejide, are you ready?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo ti ṣe tán.Yes, I am ready.
- FemiṢé a le lọ níbàsìkú?Can we leave now?
- YejideÓ dáa, ẹ jẹ́ ká lọ.Alright, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
