[ericsoderstrom]

English is missing some seemingly basic answer words too, which are present in other languages. Like no single word for unambiguously answering a negative question.

E.g. Q: Aren't you finished yet?

Answering 'yes' or 'no' would be ambiguous

[mike_hock]

"Aren't you finished, yet?"

"Yes."

"Is that yes, you aren't finished, or yes, you are finished?"

"No."

"Is that no, you aren't finished, or no, you are finished?"

"Why did you ask me a yes or no question if neither yes nor no answers your question?"

[autoexec]

Since the meaning of no and yes aren't good enough, what do the one word answers other countries have mean?