sí, lo soy
The English phrase "yes, I am" is translated into Spanish as sí, lo soy.
This phrase is a short answer used to confirm that a description or identity applied to the speaker is true.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often say "yes, I am" using only the auxiliary verb, Spanish requires the use of the pronoun lo to refer back to the predicate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb soy is the first-person singular present indicative of ser, which is used for permanent or essential characteristics.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say sí, yo soy instead of sí, lo soy when trying to confirm a description.
Did you know?
- The word sí is actually a linguistic cousin to the English word 'self', as both trace back to ancient roots describing the concept of 'one's own'.
- While sí means 'yes', the Spanish word si without the accent mark means 'if', creating a critical distinction in writing and meaning.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a simple sí is often preferred over the full sí, lo soy, as repeating the verb can sound overly formal or emphatic.
Examples in context
- Sí, soy el candidato adecuado.Yes, I am the right candidate.
- Sí, lo soy.Yes, I am.
- Sí, soy yo.Yes, it's me.
Example conversation
A woman asks a man if he is the owner of the restaurant.
- Lucía¿Eres el dueño del restaurante?Are you the owner of the restaurant?
- JavierSí, lo soy.Yes, I am.
- LucíaMucho gusto, señor.Nice to meet you, sir.
- JavierEl gusto es mío.The pleasure is mine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, soy, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
