yes
The word "ja" is the most fundamental affirmative in Swedish. It functions exactly like "yes" in English, serving as the standard way to agree with a statement, accept an offer, or respond to a question. In casual conversation, you might occasionally hear "jo" when responding to a negative question (e.g., "Don't you want coffee?" "Jo!" meaning "Yes, I do!"). However, for all general affirmative purposes, "ja" is your go-to word.
In conversation
Asking for coffee
Vill du ha en kopp kaffe?
Do you want a cup of coffee?
Ja, tack!
Yes, please!
Adding 'tack' (thanks) after 'ja' is standard politeness.
Confirming a plan
Ses vi klockan sju?
Shall we meet at seven?
Ja, det blir bra.
Yes, that sounds good.
Using 'det blir bra' helps soften the agreement.
Examples
Ja.
Yes.
Ja, jag förstår.
Yes, I understand.
Ja, det stämmer precis.
Yes, that is exactly right.
