sim
/ˈsĩ/
The Portuguese word for "yes" is sim.
sim is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun to describe an answer that shows agreement or acceptance. The opposite of sim is não, which means "no".
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While sim is the standard way to say "yes", you might use afirmativo in formal contexts like official responses or radio communication. To express excitement or pleasure, you can use interjections like sim!, é! or assim!, which function similarly to "yay" or "whoo" in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, people may use é instead of sim in informal contexts. In certain regions, pois não may be used in formal settings instead of sim.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
afirmativo can be used in formal contexts, such as radio communication, to mean "yes" or "affirmative".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsĩ/
Did you know?
- While sim means 'yes', Portuguese speakers often avoid using it as a standalone answer. Instead, they repeat the main verb of the question to show agreement.
- The phrase pois não literally translates to 'because not' but functions as a polite 'yes' or 'certainly'. It is frequently used by service staff to signal a willingness to help.
- In some Portuguese dialects, sim can be used as an intensifier to mean 'really' or 'truly'. For example, é sim! can be translated as 'it really is!'
Examples in context
- Isso é um sim?Is that a yes?This sentence is useful for asking if a word is a "yes".Tatoeba #8539208 by Ricardo14, translation #7812408 by Hybrid
- O Tom disse sim.Tom said yes.This sentence shows how to use sim as the object of the verb "said".Tatoeba #6781009 by Ricardo14, translation #4394831 by CK
- Ele já disse sim.He has already said yes.This sentence demonstrates the use of sim to indicate a completed action of agreement.Tatoeba #384804 by brauliobezerra, translation #290307 by CK
- Sim, eu concordo com você.Yes, I agree with you.
- Sim, estou disponível para a reunião amanhã.Yes, I am available for the meeting tomorrow.
- Com certeza, podemos fechar negócio.Certainly, we can make a deal.
- Com certeza, irei comparecer ao evento.Certainly, I will attend the event.
- Sim!Yes!
- Claro!Of course!
- Certo!Right!
- É verdade, esse filme é incrível.It's true, this movie is amazing.
- É verdade, aquela festa foi divertidíssima.It's true, that party was a lot of fun.
- 403 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are deciding whether to order pizza.
- LucasCamila, você quer pedir pizza hoje?Camila, do you want to order pizza today?
- CamilaSim, eu adoraria!Yes, I would love to!
- LucasVocê quer que eu ligue para a pizzaria?Do you want me to call the pizzeria?
- CamilaSim, por favor, Lucas.Yes, please, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries sim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
