Aye (sounds like “eye”) means yes, especially in formal voting or on ships. When a committee votes on a motion, members might call out aye to show they agree, while those who disagree say nay. The chairperson then counts the ayes and nays to see which side wins.

Sailors traditionally use aye to confirm orders. When a captain tells a sailor to adjust the sails, the sailor might respond “aye, aye, captain” to show they heard and will obey. That double aye specifically means “I understand and will do it right away.”

You'll hear aye in pirate movies and sea adventures, but it's also a real maritime tradition that navies around the world still use today. While most people just say “yes” in everyday conversation, aye adds formality and tradition to important moments like official votes or shipboard commands.