ναι
Lemma: ναι
Translation: yes; yeah; affirmative (adverb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ναί (naí), which has been the primary affirmative response word in Greek since ancient times. It is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *ne-, which paradoxically is also the source of negative words in many languages. This affirmative particle has remained remarkably stable throughout the history of the Greek language.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'nay' (which means 'no') but remember that 'ναι' means the opposite - 'yes'.
- Imagine saying 'nigh' (as in 'the end is nigh') but with an 'a' sound instead of 'i' - you're saying 'yes' in Greek.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, a single nod upward can sometimes indicate 'no', while a downward nod means 'yes', which is the opposite of many Western cultures. When saying 'ναι', Greeks often accompany it with a downward nod. Also, Greeks sometimes use repeated 'ναι' (ναι, ναι, ναι) to show enthusiasm or strong agreement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ναι' means 'yes', while 'νέα' means 'news' or can be the feminine form of 'νέος' (new/young).
Confused word:
Τα νέα είναι καλά.
The news is good.
Notes: The pronunciation is different: 'ναι' is one syllable, while 'νέα' is two syllables.
Mnemonic: 'Νέα' has an extra syllable compared to 'ναι' and brings 'new' information (news).