This list includes 32 Simple words that start with Y, from “yak” to “yummy”. They are mostly short, everyday words you can use in early reading, ESL lessons, and simple writing.
Simple words that start with Y are common, everyday words that begin with the letter Y. For example, “yak” is borrowed from Tibetan, while expressive words like “yummy” show informal usage.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Part of speech, Definition, Etymology, and Example.
Word: The written word as it appears in the list, so you can quickly scan spellings and recognize familiar items.
Part of speech: Shows whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or other, helping you place it correctly in sentences.
Definition: A short, clear meaning in 10–20 words that helps you teach or understand the word’s basic use.
Etymology: A one-line origin note telling you the word’s source language or historical root for cultural context.
Example: A brief sample sentence showing typical, age-appropriate usage so you can see the word in context.
Simple words that start with Y
| Word | Part of speech | Pronunciation | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| you | pronoun | yoo | Old English |
| your | pronoun | yur | Old English |
| yours | pronoun | yorz | Old English |
| yourself | pronoun | yurself | Old English + self |
| yes | interjection | yes | Old English |
| yet | adverb | yet | Old English |
| year | noun | yeer | Old English |
| yesterday | adverb | yes-ter-day | Old English |
| yellow | adjective | yel-oh | Old English |
| yawn | verb | yawn | Old English |
| yard | noun | yard | Old English |
| yarn | noun | yarn | Old English |
| yak | noun | yak | from Tibetan via Hindi |
| yam | noun | yam | West African |
| yelp | verb | yelp | Old English/imitative |
| yell | verb | yel | Old English |
| yuck | interjection | yuck | imitative |
| yucky | adjective | yuck-ee | from imitative + -y |
| yum | interjection | yum | imitative |
| yummy | adjective | yum-ee | from imitative + -y |
| yolk | noun | yolk | Old English |
| yogurt | noun | yo-gurt | Turkish |
| young | adjective | yung | Old English |
| youth | noun | yooth | Old English |
| yoyo | noun | yo-yo | Tagalog |
| yield | verb | yeeld | Old English |
| yip | verb | yip | imitative |
| yoke | noun | yoke | Old English |
| yippee | interjection | yip-ee | American English |
| yearn | verb | yern | Old English |
| yeast | noun | yeest | Old English |
| yap | verb | yap | imitative |
Descriptions
you
A common pronoun for the person being spoken to; one of the first words children and learners use in conversation.
your
A possessive word showing something belongs to the person you are speaking to; very useful in everyday talk and basic grammar.
yours
A short possessive pronoun meaning “belonging to you”; often used in simple sentences and exchanges.
yourself
The reflexive form of “you,” used for emphasis or when the person acts on themself; common in speech and instructions.
yes
A short, positive response word used in answers and agreements; one of the first words children learn.
yet
A small word used to show something hasn’t happened up to now or to add contrast; common in everyday sentences.
year
A unit of time of about 12 months; useful for talking about age, seasons, and school years.
yesterday
Refers to the day before today; very common in stories and daily conversation for learners and children.
yellow
A basic color word used in classroom, toys, and signs; easy for children and early learners.
yawn
To open your mouth wide and breathe in when tired or bored; simple action word children recognize and act out.
yard
An outdoor area beside a house or building; common word for places where children play.
yarn
Strands of wool or cotton used for knitting or crafts; familiar in stories, crafts, and play.
yak
A large, hairy animal from high regions; simple animal word sometimes used in children’s books.
yam
A common root vegetable in many kitchens; basic food word useful in cooking and grocery vocabulary.
yelp
A short, sharp cry of pain or surprise; a simple verb children understand from animals or people.
yell
To shout loudly; a basic action word used in games, warnings, and expressive speech.
yuck
A short word expressing dislike or disgust; very common with young children around food or messes.
yucky
A child-friendly adjective meaning unpleasant or gross; often used by young learners to describe taste or texture.
yum
A quick, positive sound when food tastes good; common in family and classroom settings.
yummy
A friendly word meaning very tasty; widely used by children and learners to praise food.
yolk
The yellow part inside an egg; a simple cooking word often taught early in kitchens and schools.
yogurt
A common dairy food word used in breakfasts and snacks; useful for food-related vocabulary and shopping.
young
Describes someone or something not old; basic adjective for people, animals, and plants.
youth
Refers to young people or the time of being young; common in conversations about age and school.
yoyo
A simple toy that goes up and down on a string; familiar and fun word for children.
yield
To give way or produce something (like crops); basic verb used in traffic signs and simple explanations.
yip
A short bark or cry, usually from a small dog; an easy verb for animal sounds.
yoke
A simple tool or symbol meaning to join or connect; used in basic stories about farming or joining things.
yippee
An excited exclamation children use when happy or celebrating; playful and common in early speech.
yearn
To want or long for something; a simple feeling word often used in stories and conversations about wishes.
yeast
A small ingredient used in baking to help dough rise; useful food word for cooking lessons with learners.
yap
To bark in a quick, sharp way (often small dogs); simple animal sound verb easy for children to imitate.