How to Say “Yes or No” in Latin

By •
ita an non
[ˈɪ.ta ˈan ˈnoːn]word by word
The English phrase "yes or no" is translated into Latin as ita an non.
The phrase ita an non is used to ask for a definitive answer that is either affirmative or negative.

Did you know?

  • The word ita is a distant relative of the English word 'item'. Both are believed to trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
  • While we use 'yes' as a standalone word, many classical Latin writers avoided using ita as a direct answer to a question, preferring to repeat the verb to show agreement.
  • The word an is used specifically when asking a question that offers a choice between two options. It differs from the standard word for 'or' used in general statements.

Examples in context

  • Certē
    Yes, definitely
  • Minimē
    No, not at all
  • Ita an non dicere debes.
    You must say yes or no.

Example conversation

Aurelia is asking Marcus if he is coming to dinner.

  1. Aurelia

    Venies ad cenam, ita an non?
    Are you coming to dinner, yes or no?
  2. Marcus

    Ita, veniam.
    Yes, I will come.
  3. Aurelia

    Optime! Te exspecto.
    Great! I am waiting for you.
  4. Marcus

    Mox adsum.
    I will be there soon.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ita, an, non) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, ita, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Leonard Joseph
Leonard JosephHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top