yo
/ˈʝo/
The English phrase 'I' is translated into Spanish as yo.
While it translates directly to 'I', it is used more for emphasis or contrast than in English.
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun yo is often omitted in Spanish because the verb conjugation already indicates the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word yo shares the same Latin ancestor, egō̆, as the English word 'ego', which is why both refer to the self.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, overusing the word yo in a conversation can be perceived as a sign of arrogance or a lack of humility.
- The word yo is often used as a one-word answer to mean 'I do' or 'me too' when volunteering for something, such as when a teacher asks who wants to help.
Examples in context
- Yo sí te amo.I do love you.This sentence shows how to use yo to express affection.Tatoeba #1246286 by marcelostockle, translation #71454 by CK
- Yo no vi nada.I saw nothing.This sentence uses yo to describe a past observation.Tatoeba #497573 by Shishir, translation #256395 by CK
- Yo no lo hice.I did not do it.This sentence uses yo to deny an action.Tatoeba #625873 by Leono, translation #625872 by Leono
- Yo creo que es una excelente idea.I believe it's an excellent idea.
- Voy al cine hoy.I am going to the movies today.
- Me gustaría ir a la playa.I would like to go to the beach.
- 1953 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing who will cook dinner.
- DanielYo puedo cocinar hoy.I can cook today.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel. Eres muy amable.Thank you, Daniel. You are very kind.
- DanielYo quiero hacer pasta.I want to make pasta.
- MaríaMe parece una idea genial.That sounds like a great idea to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries yo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
