yebo
/jʱéːɓo/
The English word "yes" is translated into Zulu as yebo.
yebo is a common particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
yebo is the standard, polite way to say yes and is appropriate for both formal and informal situations. For an informal and endearing way to say yes, you can use Yebo Baba.
How do you pronounce it?
/jʱéːɓo/
When do people say it?
When addressing a woman, you can use Yebo Sisi.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, a very short, clipped version of yebo can be used as a greeting to acknowledge someone's presence before a formal conversation begins.
- The term Baba in Yebo Baba literally means 'father', but in this context it is used as a respectful title for any older man or a man in a position of authority regardless of kinship.
- In Zulu, the word yebo is often accompanied by a vigorous nodding of the head to reinforce agreement. This physical gesture is almost inseparable from the spoken particle in many social contexts.
Examples in context
- Yebo, ngiyakuzwa.Yes, I hear you.
- Yebo, ngizofika kusasa.Yes, I will arrive tomorrow.
Example conversation
Nomusa asks Sipho if he has finished his work.
- NomusaUsuphelise umsebenzi wakho, Sipho?Have you finished your work, Sipho?
- SiphoYebo, sengiqedile.Yes, I am done.
- NomusaUngangisiza manje?Can you help me now?
- SiphoYebo, ngingakusiza.Yes, I can help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries yebo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
