Different ways to say YES in English, with examples

English is a flexible language new words added frequently. You can say Yes in many different ways. Here are the most important ways to say Yes, with examples, to help you speak British English like a native.

Meanings of the word yes

First we must talk about the different meanings of the word yes. Yes can mean "I agree with what you say", for example in answer to the questions "did you see the aeroplane?" and "isn't it a nice day?". It can also mean "I am willing to do what you want", for example in answer to the questions "can you pass me the butter?" and "will you go for a drink with me?". Also it can mean "I would like what you have offered", for example "do you want me to come with you?", or "can I help you?". Next it can be used as an acknowledgement, for example in response to "I am going to the shops". Lastly yes can be used as a filler word, to encourage further discussion on a topic.

Ways to say yes in its broadest meaning

These words are the basic forms of the word yes and can be used in almost all scenarios in which you need to reply yes.

1. Yes, and its mutated versions of Yep, Yup, Ya and Yay - these are the basic forms of yes
2. Aye, or Aye Aye (has naval connotations, as in "Aye Aye, Captain!" in response to an order)
3. Ah-hah - casual and seen as non-committal 
4. Affirmative - highly formal version, never used except to sound robotic 
5. Positive, or positively - slightly aloof and could sound rude
6. Indubitably - ridiculous and pompous
7. Of course - casual
8. Definitely - adding emphasis
9. Yes sir, and Yes ma'am - American English or in military when speaking to a superior

Saying yes, meaning "I agree with what you say"

Firstly yes can mean "I agree with what you say", for example in answer to the questions "did you see the aeroplane?" and "isn't it a nice day?".

10. Repeat the verb of the question in the third person, e.g. "did you see the aeroplane?" - say "I did", or "isn't it a nice day" - say "it is" or "isn't it".
11. Alternatively use the word sure with the same verb, e.g. "sure did" or "sure is"
12. Alternatively add the word just as follows "didn't I just" or "isn't it just"
13. Correct - reserved and could be interpreted as rude
14. Right or you're right - fairly neutral agreement
15. Naturally - indicating it was obvious that the answer would be yes
16. Certainly - fairly neutral agreement
17. Indeed - indicates the thing being agreed to is obvious or normal
18. And how! - strong agreement
19. Without a doubt - strong agreement
20. You called? - this is only in response to someone asking your name, e.g. "Martha?", say "You called?"
21. Precisely - typically only in response to a rhetorical question or statement of fact
22. Exactly, or My thoughts exactly - strong agreement
23. True dat (abbreviation for True that) - highly casual and youth-oriented response

Saying yes, meaning "I am willing to do what you want"

Next, yes can mean "I am willing to do what you want", for example in answer to the questions "can you pass me the butter?" and "will you go for a drink with me?". Also in answer to someone offering something for example "do you want me to come with you?"

24. Repeat the verb in the first person, e.g. "can you pass me the butter?" - say "I can", or "will you go for a drink?" - say "I will".
25. Alternatively use the word do, as in "can do" or "will do" - which implies a stronger acceptance of the request
26. OK, (or Okay) and its abbreviation K
27. You bet - indicating there is no hesitation to comply
28. I don't mind if I do - indicating it will be positive for you
29. I'd love that - indicating wanting to do this
30. Okie dokie - very casual form of OK
31. Very well - indicating a slight reluctance while still meaning yes, and in a formal setting
32. Right on - casual agreement
33. Sure, or (less commonly) Surely - agreement
34. Totally - enthusiasm
35. You're on - positive enthusiasm
36. Certainly - enthusiasm
37. By all means - indicating strong desire to do what is asked
38. Hell yes - indicating significant enthusiasm to do what is asked
39. Gladly - happy acceptance
40. Fine - slightly reluctant acceptance
41. Sounds good - simple agreement
42. You're on - agreement
43. Fair enough - indication that the request is reasonable
44. Without a doubt - strong agreement, but slightly reserved
45. Bring it - highly casual, and youth-oriented expression
46. I hear and obey - comically subservient, to highlight an unreasonable request
47. Your wish is my command - also comical and subservient
48. As you wish - slightly less subservient

Saying yes, in response to someone offering you something

Next, yes can mean "Yes I would like what you have offered", for example "do you want me to come with you?", or "can I help you?"

49. Many of the forms above also work for this, e.g. "I'd love that" and "Totally", in addition the following:
50. Please, or Please do
51. Great
52. Good
53. Unquestionably
54. Permission granted - pompous
55. Too right - indicating the offer is expected
56. Repeat the verb, e.g. "do you want me to come with you?" - say "I do", or "can I help you?" - say "you can".

Saying yes, meaning "I acknowledge I have heard and understood you"

Then it can also be used as an acknowledgement that someone has been heard, for example in response to someone telling you "I am going to the shops".

57. OK
58. Sure, or For Sure, or Sure thing
59. Understood
60. Acknowledged
61. Roger, or Roger that
62. Okie dokie
63. Right on
64. Sounds good
65. Alright, or even less formally Alrighty
66. Fair enough
67. You've got a point, there

Saying yes, being a filler word to encourage further discussion

68. OK
69. Uh-huh
70. Mm-hmm
71. Yeah
72. Go on
73. And?
74. So?
75. I hear you

Yes emoticons

76. Thumbs up 👍
77. OK sign 👌

Sign language signs

78. Makaton sign
    

    

79. British Sign Language (BSL) sign - nodding of the head, with or without the Makaton sign above.

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