yo
/ˈʝo/
The English word "i" is translated into Spanish as yo.
yo is the personal pronoun used to mean "I". While English requires "I" to be present, in Spanish, yo is often omitted because the verb conjugation already indicates that the subject is "I". Including yo in a sentence is often used to add emphasis or to contrast oneself with another person (e.g., 'I did it, not him').
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, yo is the subject pronoun, whereas mí or me are used as object pronouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun 'yo' is often omitted in Spanish because the verb conjugation already indicates that the subject is 'I'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝo/
Did you know?
- The Latin root egō̆ is the ancestor of both the Spanish yo and the English word 'ego'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, overusing yo in conversation can make a person sound unintentionally boastful or self-centered.
- In certain colloquial contexts, yo can be used as a standalone exclamation to mean 'me too' or 'I'm in' when volunteering for a task.
Examples in context
- Yo sí te amo.I do love you.This sentence is useful for showing how to use yo to express love.Tatoeba #1246286 by marcelostockle, translation #71454 by CK
- Yo no vi nada.I saw nothing.This sentence shows the use of yo in a negative statement.Tatoeba #497573 by Shishir, translation #256395 by CK
- Yo no lo hice.I did not do it.This sentence demonstrates how to use yo when denying an action.Tatoeba #625873 by Leono, translation #625872 by Leono
- Uno siempre debe cuidar su salud.One should always take care of their health.
- Una debe actuar con prudencia en esas situaciones.One should act cautiously in those situations.
- Yo quiero ir al cine.I want to go to the movies.
- Yo creo que es un buen plan.I think it's a good plan.
- Vosotros sois mis mejores amigos.You all are my best friends.
- Vos podés contar conmigo siempre.You can count on me anytime.
- 1953 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Daniel are deciding who will cook dinner.
- MaríaYo puedo cocinar hoy.I can cook today.
- DanielGracias, María. Eres muy amable.Thanks, Maria. You are very kind.
- MaríaYo quiero hacer pasta.I want to make pasta.
- DanielMe parece una idea excelente.That sounds like an excellent idea.
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.
