jeste

Jeste is a word found in several South Slavic languages, especially Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. It is linked to the verb biti (to be) and appears in forms used with the second person and in polite or plural address. In common question forms, one often encounters the sequence jeste li meaning “are you” or “are you …?” For example: Jeste li sigurni? translates to “Are you sure?” The form jeste acts as the finite present form of the verb for the second person in these contexts, typically combined with li to form questions.

Jeste also functions as an affirmative particle or interjection in response to a question, roughly equivalent to “yes indeed” or “that’s right.” When used alone, it expresses assent more emphatically than a simple da (yes). This interjection usage is common in casual spoken language and can convey certainty or agreement.

Etymologically, jeste derives from the Slavic root for “to be” and has cognates across related languages. The exact usage patterns vary by dialect and language, but the core sense—a form related to the verb “to be” used in second-person contexts and as an affirmative particle—is common to Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian.

In summary, jeste serves primarily as a grammatical form linked to the verb to be in South Slavic languages and as an emphatic affirmative particle, with its key usage centered on addressing “you” in questions and statements. It is not typically a standalone concept outside of linguistic and regional usage.