"Да нет" - make up your mind!

[david-us.livejournal.com]

I hear Russians say this with some regularity, "Да нет."

"Yes, no!" ???

What is this expression supposed to convey? Does it mean that they are getting ready to say something that contradicts something else they just said?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Comments

[hellga.livejournal.com]

Literally, it translates to "But no", and means pretty much a "no", but somewhat softer than outright "no"

Word Da in Russian means not only Yes but also But and And, depending on the situation (though latter two uses are somewhat archaic/colloquial)