How to Pronounce Yes

To pronounce "yes", say YES — one syllable, IPA /jɛs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

yes

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/jɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “yes”

"yes" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with nonetheless and nevertheless, if that helps it stick.

What does yes mean?

noun

  1. An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.

    “Was that a yes?”

  2. A vote of support or in favor/favour of something.

    “The workers voted on whether to strike, and there were thirty "yeses" and one "no".”

verb

  1. To agree with, affirm, approve.

    “Did he yes the veto?”

  2. To attempt to flatter someone by habitually agreeing

interjection

  1. Used to express pleasure, joy, or great excitement.

    “Our second goal of the match! Yes!”

  2. Response that confirms that the user is paying attention.

Synonyms

ayenodyeaagreeconsent

Antonyms

nayno

Hear “yes” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with yes

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

nonethelessneverthelesscoalescedistressacquiesceaddresscaressassessprocessegressexpressfinesse

Related words

yupyepyeaaffirmativeaffirmationaffirmativelyadmittedlysake

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "yes"?▾

"Yes" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "yes"?▾

The IPA transcription of "yes" is /jɛs/.

What does "yes" mean?▾

Yes: An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.

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