sí
/ˈsi/
The English word 'yes' is translated as sí in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists sí pues.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sí | /ˈsi/ |
| sí pues | /si pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
sí is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun to refer to an affirmative answer. When used as an interjection to express excitement, joy or pleasure, sí! is equivalent to saying 'yay!' in English. You can emphasize your agreement by using the phrase ¡Claro que sí!, which means 'Of course, yes!' or by saying Sí, claro for 'Yes, of course'.
Which one should you use?
The form sí is the standard way to say yes. The form sí pues is an alternative version provided in this context.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often omit the accent mark, but you must include it. Writing si without the accent changes the meaning from 'yes' to 'if'.
Did you know?
- In some dialects, sí can be used sarcastically to mean 'no way' or 'I don't believe you' when spoken with a specific rising intonation.
- The Latin root of sí was sīc, which meant 'thus' or 'in this manner', rather than just a simple 'yes'.
- Spanish allows for 'double affirmatives' like sí que sí, which is used to insist emphatically that something is true despite doubts.
Examples in context
- ¿Eso es un sí?Is that a yes?This sentence is useful for asking if a response is an affirmative sí.Tatoeba #9704213 by Shishir, translation #7812408 by Hybrid
- Ya dije que sí.I already said yes.This sentence demonstrates using sí as an object of the verb 'say'.Tatoeba #4563306 by DarkHollow, translation #4562442 by Hybrid
- Di que sí y ya.Just say yes.This sentence shows how to use sí as a direct instruction.Tatoeba #4566620 by cueyayotl, translation #2549760 by CK
- 394 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are deciding whether to order pizza.
- María¿Quieres pedir una pizza?Do you want to order a pizza?
- MateoSí, me parece muy bien.Yes, that sounds great to me.
- María¿Pedimos la de pepperoni?Shall we order the pepperoni one?
- MateoSí, es mi favorita.Yes, it is my favorite.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries sí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pues, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
