yes
yes — 名詞
- yessingular
- yesesplural
1. an affirmative answer given by voting or by speaking — for instance, a vote cast
贊成票；同意
表示同意的回答或投票
an affirmative answer given by voting or by speaking — for instance, a vote cast in support of a proposal, or a spoken reply that agrees to an offer.
The final count showed fifteen yeses and only three noes.
最終計票結果顯示有十五張贊成票，只有三張反對票。
plural form: yeses (or yesses)
Padma gave a firm yes when the committee asked if she would lead the project.
當委員會詢問 Padma 是否願意領導該專案時，她給了明確的同意。
We need at least eight yes votes for the motion to pass.
這項動議至少需要八張贊成票才能通過。
After weeks of waiting, the Watanabe family finally received a yes from the university.
等了幾週後，Watanabe 一家終於收到大學的肯定回覆。
The proposal got a resounding yes from every member of the board.
這項提案獲得董事會每位成員壓倒性的贊成。
- approval
more general; can refer to official permission rather than a single vote or reply
- affirmative
formal; common in military and radio communication contexts
- aye
used specifically in formal voting, especially in the British Parliament
文法句型
a + yes (singular)
yeses / yesses (plural)
用法筆記
A countable noun, so it needs an article or determiner (a yes, the yeses). The plural can be spelled either yeses or yesses. Common in voting and decision-making contexts to refer to the affirmative position itself, not the person holding it.
常見錯誤
yes — 副詞
1. a word that you say when you are happy to do something that someone asks you, or
好的
表達同意或接受提議
a word that you say when you are happy to do something that someone asks you, or when you accept a suggestion or request
Yes, I will help you carry those heavy shopping bags.
好的，我會幫你提那些很重的購物袋。
yes + clause showing acceptance of request
Marta asked if I wanted more rice, and I said yes.
Marta 問我要不要加飯，我說好的。
say yes for accepting an offer
The teacher gave a quick yes when the class asked to leave early.
全班問能不能早點下課，老師答應說好。
Yes, you may borrow my bicycle for the afternoon.
好的，你可以下午借我的腳踏車。
Aarav nodded and said a quiet yes when the waiter came over.
服務生走過來時，Aarav 點了點頭小聲說好。
- no
the direct opposite; used to refuse or disagree
文法句型
yes + clause showing acceptance
say yes
常見錯誤
2. a word that you say to strongly insist that something is true, especially when s
沒錯
強調陳述的正確性
a word that you say to strongly insist that something is true, especially when someone doubts you or when you want to remove any uncertainty
I am not just interested — yes, I am absolutely thrilled about the trip.
我可不是只有一點興趣——沒錯，我對這趟旅行興奮極了！
yes + clause for emphasis after a statement
The answer is yes: the company is opening a new office in Taipei.
答案是肯定的：公司要在台北開一間新辦公室。
the answer is yes — fixed phrase for strong affirmation
Some friends said the plan would fail, but yes, we finished on time.
有些朋友說那計畫會失敗，但沒錯，我們準時完成了。
Yes, it really happened — I saw the whole thing with my own eyes.
沒錯，真的發生了——我親眼看見了全部過程。
Sahil asked if I was serious, and I told him yes, completely.
Sahil 問我是不是認真的，我跟他說沒錯，完全認真。
- indeed
more formal; often placed within the sentence ('It is indeed true') rather than at the start
- absolutely
stronger and more forceful; implies total certainty
- definitely
focuses on removing doubt rather than confirming
- no
used to strongly deny or negate
文法句型
the answer is yes
yes + clause affirming a statement
用法筆記
In this sense, 'yes' often introduces a clause that restates or strengthens the point made just before, creating a two-part rhetorical structure.
常見錯誤
3. a word that you say during a conversation to let the other person know that you
嗯；對
表示正在聆聽或準備回應
a word that you say during a conversation to let the other person know that you are following what they say and are ready for them to continue
Yes, I am listening — please go on with your story.
嗯，我在聽——請繼續講你的故事。
yes + listening phrase to encourage continuation
Keiko said yes, yes while her grandmother described the old photographs.
Keiko 一邊聽奶奶描述老照片，一邊應著「嗯、嗯」。
repeated 'yes, yes' as backchannel while another person speaks
Anong kept murmuring yes yes as her friend explained the problem.
Anong 一邊聽朋友解釋問題，一邊輕聲應著「嗯、嗯」。
The customer said yes from time to time while the agent spoke.
客服人員說話時，那位客人不時應一聲「好」。
Yes, go ahead — tell me what happened at the meeting this morning.
好，你說——告訴我今天早上會議發生了什麼事。
文法句型
yes (as listening cue)
yes, yes (repeated)
用法筆記
Repeating 'yes, yes' quickly can signal impatience or a wish for the speaker to finish. A single 'yes' with rising intonation is a neutral listening prompt.
常見錯誤
4. a word that you say when someone makes a negative claim and you want to state th
才不
反駁否定句，肯定相反情況
a word that you say when someone makes a negative claim and you want to state that the opposite is true
You cannot fix it alone he said, and Yara replied Yes I can.
他說你自己修不好，Yara 回說：「我才可以！」
Yes + auxiliary verb in positive form to contradict a negative
Folake thought the shop was closed, but yes, it was open until nine.
Folake 以為那家店關了，但才沒有，它開到九點。
The children insisted she was wrong and shouted Yes she is.
孩子們堅持她說錯了，大聲喊：「她才是！」
It is not too late, my friend said, but yes it is — the train left.
朋友說還不晚，但才不呢，火車已經開了。
When someone says you will never succeed, you say yes you will.
當有人說你永遠不會成功時，你就說：「我才會！」
- actually
softer and more explanatory than 'yes', which is direct and forceful
- on the contrary
very formal; used in writing or formal speech
- no
used to agree with a negative statement instead of contradicting it
文法句型
Yes + subject + auxiliary verb (positive form)
用法筆記
The auxiliary verb after 'yes' flips to the opposite of the negative statement: 'cannot' → 'can', 'is not' → 'is', 'will not' → 'will'. The subject pronoun stays the same.
常見錯誤
5. a word that you place after a statement so that it becomes a question, asking th
對吧
句尾徵求對方同意
a word that you place after a statement so that it becomes a question, asking the listener whether they share your view or whether you have understood correctly
So you will meet us at the bus stop at seven, yes?
所以你七點會在公車站跟我們碰面，對吧？
statement + yes? as a confirmation tag
That was the third question on the test, yes? I want to be sure.
那是測驗的第三題，對吧？我想確認一下。
You have already finished the report, yes? The boss needs it now.
你已經寫完報告了，對吧？老闆現在就要。
Mizuki asked, The train leaves at ten, yes? before buying the tickets.
Mizuki 在買票前問：「火車十點開，對吧？」
We are meeting at the usual café tomorrow morning, yes?
我們明天早上在平常那家咖啡廳碰面，對吧？
文法句型
statement + yes?
用法筆記
This tag use is more common in British than American English. American speakers typically use 'right?' in the same position. Do not confuse this with the tag question 'isn't it? / aren't you?', which changes form by person and tense.
常見錯誤
yes — 感嘆詞
1. said when someone asks whether a fact or statement is accurate, and you confirm
是
回答問題時確認正確
said when someone asks whether a fact or statement is accurate, and you confirm that it is
"Is this the bus that goes to the airport?" "Yes, it arrives at Terminal One."
「這是去機場的公車嗎？」「是的，它會到第一航廈。」
confirming factual information in reply to a question
The teacher asked whether five plus three equals eight, and all the children shouted yes.
老師問五加三等於八嗎，所有孩子都大聲回答「是」。
When asked if I was on the list, I said yes and showed my passport.
當櫃檯人員問我的名字是否在名單上時，我說是，並出示了我的護照。
Mira asked if the shop was still open, and Hoa said yes.
Mira 問商店是否還開著，Hoa 說有。
- no
the standard negative answer to a question
常見錯誤
2. said when someone states an opinion and you indicate that you hold the same view
對
表達同意對方的意見
said when someone states an opinion and you indicate that you hold the same view
When Layla said the movie was too long, Andrew nodded and said yes.
Layla 說電影太長時，Andrew 點頭說對。
agreeing with someone's stated opinion
My colleague suggested a Thai restaurant, and everyone at the table said yes.
同事建議試試那家新泰式餐廳，桌上的每個人都說好。
"Traffic has gotten worse." "Yes, it takes me twice as long now."
「交通越來越糟了。」「對啊，現在花的時間是以前的兩倍。」
The committee asked if we should postpone the meeting, and all five members voted yes.
委員會詢問是否該延後會議，五位成員都投票表示贊成。
Hei said the homework was far too difficult, and several classmates said yes in agreement.
Hei 說作業太難了，好幾位同學也跟著說對。
- no
used to politely express a differing opinion
常見錯誤
3. said when someone claims something is not true or did not happen, and you firmly
有；會
反駁否定句，肯定事實存在
said when someone claims something is not true or did not happen, and you firmly state that it is or did
"You never help!" "Yes, I do — I washed the dishes last night."
「你從來不幫忙！」「我有幫忙——我昨晚才洗了碗。」
contradicting a negative statement with evidence
The tracking system showed yes, the package was delivered yesterday.
追蹤系統顯示有送達——包裹是昨天配送的。
"That restaurant is closed on Mondays." "Yes, it is — I ate there last week."
「那間餐廳星期一休息。」「有開啦——我上星期才去那裡吃過飯。」
"You didn't lock the door." "Yes, I did! I checked twice before we left."
「你沒有鎖大門。」「我有！出門前我還檢查了兩次。」
用法筆記
In this sense, 'yes' is typically stressed when spoken — said with a stronger, higher pitch than usual — to emphasise the contradiction.
常見錯誤
4. said when someone asks if they may do something and you allow them to
可以
允許對方做某事
said when someone asks if they may do something and you allow them to
My son asked to go to a friend's house, and I said yes.
兒子問能不能去朋友家，我說可以。
giving permission with a condition attached
The librarian said yes, each student could borrow three books.
圖書館員說可以，每位學生最多借三本書。
"May I leave a few minutes early?" the student asked. The teacher said yes.
「老師，我可以提早幾分鐘離開嗎？」學生問道。老師說可以。
The manager said yes to my request for a day off next Wednesday.
經理同意了我下週三請假的請求。
When the children asked to play outside, Yumi said yes.
孩子們問能不能出去玩，Yumi 說可以。
常見錯誤
5. said when someone invites you somewhere or offers you something and you want to
好啊
接受對方的邀請或提議
said when someone invites you somewhere or offers you something and you want to accept
When my neighbour offered me a ride, I said yes and thanked her.
鄰居說要載我一程時，我說好，並向她道謝。
accepting an offer of help
"Would you like another cup of coffee?" "Yes, please — that would be lovely."
「再來一杯咖啡好嗎？」「好的，麻煩了——那真是太好了。」
The company offered Ezra a job, and he said yes without hesitating.
公司提供 Ezra 一份工作，他毫不猶豫地說好。
"Do you want to join us for dinner?" "Yes, I would love to come."
「你今晚要跟我們一起吃晚餐嗎？」「好啊，我很樂意去。」
Meera invited Ingrid for the summer, and Ingrid said yes right away.
Meera 邀請 Ingrid 夏天去她家住，Ingrid 馬上就說好。
- sure
informal; sounds enthusiastic
- I'd love to
polite and warm; common for social invitations
- OK
neutral; slightly less enthusiastic than 'yes'
用法筆記
Often followed by 'please' when accepting an offer of food, drink, or a service: 'Yes, please.' This is more polite than a plain 'yes.'
常見錯誤
6. said when you are ready to hear what someone needs, especially in a service or r
請說
催促對方說出來意
said when you are ready to hear what someone needs, especially in a service or reception setting, prompting them to speak
The shop assistant looked at me and said, "Yes? Can I help you?"
店員看著我說：「請問需要什麼嗎？」
prompting a customer to state their business
The secretary looked up and said, "Yes? How can I help you?"
秘書抬起頭說：「您好，有什麼可以幫您的？」
"Yes?" the doctor asked, waiting for the patient to speak.
「怎麼了？」醫生問道，等著病人開口說明。
The shop owner said, "Yes, what can I do for you?"
老闆說：「您好，需要什麼嗎？」
- can I help you
a full-phrase alternative that leaves no ambiguity
- how can I help you
polite and explicit; commonly used in customer service
用法筆記
Common in service and retail settings. When spoken, this sense has a rising intonation, like a question, to signal that the speaker is waiting for the other person to state their purpose.
常見錯誤
7. said when someone says your name or calls out to you, to show that you have hear
欸；在
聽到呼喚時的應答
said when someone says your name or calls out to you, to show that you have heard them and are ready to respond or ask what they need.
His mother called from the kitchen, and Eli answered, 'Yes, I'll be right there.'
Eli 的媽媽從廚房喊他，他回答說：「在，我馬上過去。」
responding to a name call + statement of action
The nurse called 'Ritu Sharma?' and Ritu replied, 'Yes, that's me.'
護士叫了「Ritu Sharma？」，Ritu 回答說：「在，我就是。」
answering to one's name in a formal setting
Someone shouted from behind. Tuan turned and said, 'Yes? Can I help you?'
身後有人喊了一聲。Tuan 轉過身說：「欸？需要幫忙嗎？」
'Dad, are you in your study?' 'Yes, come on in,' he replied.
「爸，你在書房嗎？」「在，進來吧。」他回答。
用法筆記
This sense often rises in pitch at the end of the word, sounding like a question ('Yes?'), to show you are waiting for the caller to continue.
常見錯誤
8. said when something you had forgotten suddenly comes back to mind, or when you s
喔；對了
突然想起某事的反應
said when something you had forgotten suddenly comes back to mind, or when you suddenly understand something that was not clear before.
'Oh yes, now I remember — the meeting is at three, not two,' said Yara.
Yara 說：「喔，對了，我想起來了——會議是三點，不是兩點。」
oh yes + now I remember for sudden recall
Rin struggled with the puzzle, then tapped the table. 'Yes! That's how it fits!'
Rin 努力解著拼圖，然後拍了一下桌子。「對了！就是這樣拼的！」
Christopher wrinkled his forehead, then smiled. 'Yes! You taught me to swim.'
Christopher 皺了皺眉頭，然後笑了。「對！是你教我游泳的。」
Folake paused mid-sentence, then laughed. 'Yes, I see what you mean now.'
Folake 話說到一半停頓了一下，然後笑了。「喔，我現在懂你的意思了。」
用法筆記
Almost always begins with 'Oh' or 'Ah' in speech ('Oh yes!', 'Ah yes!'). The exclamation is drawn out slightly to mimic the feeling of a memory surfacing.
常見錯誤
9. said with a rising or steady tone to let someone know you are listening and want
嗯；然後呢
鼓勵對方繼續說下去
said with a rising or steady tone to let someone know you are listening and want them to keep talking about what they have started.
Yuki paused her story, and Rodrigo nodded. 'Yes? What happened next?'
Yuki 停了一下故事，Rodrigo 點點頭。「嗯？後來呢？」
rising tone yes? to encourage continuation
'So I told the manager the truth about the mistake...' 'Yes?' said Beatrix, leaning in.
「所以我把實情告訴了經理⋯⋯」「嗯？」Beatrix 靠向前說。
The old man spoke slowly, and his grandson kept saying, 'Yes, yes, go on, Grandpa.'
老爺爺說得很慢，他的孫子在旁邊一直說：「嗯嗯，繼續說，阿公。」
Élise paused to check. Théo said 'Yes,' so she went on.
Élise 停下來看了一下。Théo 說了一聲「嗯」，她就繼續了。
- stop
commands the speaker to halt rather than continue
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 6 ('asking what someone wants'). Sense 6 opens a conversation ('Yes? How can I help?'), while this sense keeps an existing conversation going. The tone is encouraging, not questioning.
常見錯誤
10. said in a rising tone when you doubt someone's claim and want to signal that you
是嗎？
表示懷疑或不相信
said in a rising tone when you doubt someone's claim and want to signal that you find it hard to accept, often playfully or sarcastically.
'He says he can lift two hundred kilos.' 'Oh yes? I'd like to see that.'
「他說他能舉起兩百公斤。」「是嗎？我還真想看看。」
oh yes? + rising tone for disbelief
Nala's brother claimed he saw a tiger. 'Yes? Are you sure?' she asked.
Nala 的弟弟說他看到老虎。「是嗎？你確定嗎？」她問。
'I did homework in five minutes.' 'Yes, right — I don't believe you,' said the teacher.
「我五分鐘就寫完作業了。」「是啊，我才不信。」老師說。
Rodrigo told friends he never made a mistake. They looked and said, 'Oh yes?'
Rodrigo 跟朋友說他從來沒犯過錯。他們看了看說：「喔，是嗎？」
用法筆記
Often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or a smirk. Can be softened with a laugh if meant playfully, or delivered flatly to express genuine doubt. The phrase 'Oh yes?' is the most common form.
11. said after repeating part of your own statement to stress that you are completel
沒錯；真的
強調自己剛才說的話
said after repeating part of your own statement to stress that you are completely serious and certain about it.
The film was a waste of time — yes, a total waste from start to finish.
那部電影是浪費時間——沒錯，從頭到尾都是浪費。
repeat phrase after 'yes' for strong emphasis
Beatrix insisted, 'I saw the accident with my own eyes, yes, I really did.'
Beatrix 堅持說：「我親眼看見那場車禍的，真的，我真的看見了。」
The room was tiny, yes, but the view made up for it.
房間很小，沒錯，但景色彌補了一切。
Folake nodded. 'This is the best choice — yes, the best for the whole team.'
Folake 點點頭說：「這是最好的選擇——沒錯，對整個團隊最好的。」
用法筆記
Typically placed after a comma or dash, followed by a repetition of a key word or phrase from the earlier statement. The repeated element shows the speaker's strong conviction.
常見錯誤
12. said loudly and with strong feeling when you are very happy and excited about so
太棒了！
因成功或好消息而興奮歡呼
said loudly and with strong feeling when you are very happy and excited about something good that has happened, especially an achievement or success.
'Yes!' she screamed as she crossed the finish line before anyone else.
「太棒了！」她第一個衝過終點線時大聲尖叫。
loud yes! for victory or achievement
The acceptance email arrived. Nala pumped her fist. 'Yes! I got the job!'
錄取通知來了。Nala 握緊拳頭說：「太棒了！我拿到工作了！」
Tuan solved the last problem as the bell rang. 'Yes!' he whispered.
Tuan 在鐘響時解出了最後一題。「太棒了！」他低聲說。
The team cheered at the final score. 'Yes! We won!' they shouted.
全隊看到最終比分時歡呼了起來。「太好了！我們贏了！」他們大喊。
用法筆記
This sense is always delivered with an exclamation mark in writing and a distinct rise-fall in pitch in speech — a short, sharp 'YES!' as a burst of joy. It is different from sense 10 (DISBELIEF), which has a questioning rise.
常見錯誤
13. said in a sharp or irritated tone when someone asks you something that you feel
好啦；知道了
不耐煩或惱怒的肯定回應
said in a sharp or irritated tone when someone asks you something that you feel is obvious or has already been answered, making the question feel unnecessary or annoying
Yes, yes, I heard you the first time! Dario snapped at his little brother.
「好啦、好啦，我第一次就聽到了！」Dario 對弟弟不耐煩地說。
repeated 'yes, yes' for added irritation
Are you coming? Yes, I am — stop asking every minute! Folake called back.
「你要跟我們來嗎？」「好啦，我來了——別每分鐘都問！」Folake 回頭喊道。
Cyrus let out an impatient Yes, of course before his mother could finish reminding him.
Cyrus 不等媽媽說完提醒，就不耐煩地蹦出一句「好啦，知道啦」。
Do you need help? Valentina said through gritted teeth, Yes, but I can manage.
「妳需要幫忙嗎？」Valentina 咬著牙說：「知道了，但我自己可以處理。」
When the waiter asked again, Hugo gave a sharp Yes, I know what I want.
服務生又來問時，Hugo 不耐煩地說：「知道了，我很清楚自己要什麼。」
文法句型
yes + comma + repeated statement
yes, yes + clause
用法筆記
The meaning depends heavily on tone of voice — a flat, sharp, or drawn-out delivery. Often repeated twice ('Yes, yes…') to increase the impatient effect. Contrast with sense 1 (genuine confirmation) and sense 4 (giving permission).
常見錯誤
14. a non-committal reply given when you do not have a definite opinion or are not r
嗯；是吧
不明確或不肯定的含糊回應
a non-committal reply given when you do not have a definite opinion or are not ready to give a straightforward answer, often followed by a pause or a qualifying statement
Did you enjoy the film? Yes… it was okay, I suppose, Daichi said with a shrug.
「你喜歡這部電影嗎？」Daichi 聳聳肩說：「嗯……還行吧，我想。」
yes + hesitation (… it was okay, I suppose)
Is this the right bus? Yes — well, I think so, Vivek answered uncertainly.
「這是去博物館的公車嗎？」Vivek 不太確定地回答：「嗯——應該是吧。」
Asked about the new policy, Élise gave a hesitant Yes, I guess so and changed the subject.
同事問起新政策時，Élise 猶豫地說了聲「嗯，算是吧」，然後就轉移了話題。
Was the maths exam difficult? Yes and no — some parts were easy, Hannah replied.
「數學考試很難嗎？」Hannah 回答：「一半一半——有些部分很簡單。」
Would you recommend that restaurant? Christopher paused and said, Yes, if you like spicy food.
「你會推薦那家餐廳嗎？」Christopher 頓了頓說：「嗯，如果你喜歡辣的話。」
文法句型
yes + hesitation (...)
yes + qualifying clause (yes, but... / yes, I suppose...)
用法筆記
Commonly followed by a pause, a filler ('well,' 'I suppose'), or a conditional clause ('yes, if…'). The speaker is avoiding a full commitment. In formal settings a clearer yes/no is expected.