This word means 'is' or 'to be'. You use it in Okinawan to be very polite. It is like saying 'desu' in Japanese, but even more formal.
Noun + やいびーんPrimary
な-Adjective + やいびーん
This word means 'is' or 'to be'. You use it in Okinawan to be very polite. It is like saying 'desu' in Japanese, but even more formal.
はいさい。こちらが首里城やいびーん。
Hello. This is Shuri Castle. (very formal)
RespectfulNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeTravel & TransportationHistoryCulture & Traditions
わったーぬ店の一番人気は、このゴーヤーチャンプルーやいびーん。
Our shop's most popular dish is this Goya Champuru. (very formal)
あの方は、かつて琉球王国の役人やいびーたん。
That person was once an official of the Ryukyu Kingdom. (very formal)
申し訳ございません。これは売り物ではあいびらん。
I am very sorry. This is not for sale. (very formal)
店の人は「こちらがおすすめやいびーん」と丁寧に説明してくれた。
The shopkeeper politely explained, 'This is the recommended one.'
The long 'n' sound makes the word soft. It shows deep respect. It is like a gentle bow with your voice.
This word is very formal. It is like saying "is" in a very polite way. It is more polite than "yaibiimi". It is much more polite than "ya" or "yasa".
Don't use this when you talk with friends. It is too formal. This word is for very polite situations. Older people might use it. You can hear it in plays or at tourist spots. The past form is "yaibiitan." The negative form is "de wa aibiran."
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