afirmativo
/afiɾmaˈtibo/
The Spanish word for "affirmative" is afirmativo.
As a noun, afirmativo is an answer that shows agreement or acceptance. It can also function as an adjective meaning "pertaining to truth."
Meaning: answer that shows agreement or acceptance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While afirmativo can be used to mean "affirmative" in a technical or formal sense, in everyday conversation, Spanish speakers are much more likely to use sí to express agreement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term afirmativo is used in formal radio or military communication to signal agreement. For formal agreement or to express affirmation in a formal context, you might also use ciertamente. To confirm accuracy in formal settings, you can use exactamente.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a feminine noun (like respuesta – answer), the form changes to the feminine afirmativa.
How do you pronounce it?
/afiɾmaˈtibo/
Did you know?
- While afirmativo is a direct translation of 'affirmative', using it in a casual social setting can sound like a joke or a parody of a soldier to native speakers.
- The root of afirmativo is the Latin word firmus, which means 'strong' or 'steady'. To give an afirmativo answer is literally to make a statement firm.
- In Spanish radio protocol, afirmativo is used instead of sí to avoid confusion, as sí can be easily mistaken for other short sounds over a static-filled channel.
Examples in context
- ¿Le gustaría algo de beber?Would you like something to drink?
- Sí, ¡claro que sí!Yes, of course!
- Su respuesta fue un afirmativo rotundo.Her answer was a resounding affirmative.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are coordinating a task via radio.
- ElenaMateo, ¿estás listo para empezar?Mateo, are you ready to start?
- MateoAfirmativo, Elena. Estoy listo.Affirmative, Elena. I am ready.
- ElenaPerfecto, inicia la secuencia ahora.Perfect, start the sequence now.
- MateoEntendido, iniciando secuencia.Understood, starting sequence.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry afirmativo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afirmativo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
