sim
everyday, Brazil
The basic word for "yes" in Brazil is sim. In speech people often answer just é, "it is", and claro means "of course".
Meaning: affirmative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| sim | everyday, Brazil |
| É | casual |
| Claro | emphatic |
Brazilians commonly repeat the verb instead of saying sim: Você gosta? Gosto. This feels natural and is not rude.
How do you pronounce it?
Sim is a nasal sound, said "seem" with air through the nose.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese sim is nasal because of the final m, one of the sounds that sets Portuguese apart from Spanish.
Examples in context
- Sim, eu quero.Yes, I want it.
- É, concordo com você.Yeah, I agree with you.
- Claro que vou!Of course I will go!
Example conversation
Marta asks her coworker Paulo if he can join lunch in Brasília.
- MartaVocê vem almoçar?Are you coming to lunch?
- PauloSim, já vou.Yes, I am coming.
- MartaÓtimo, te espero.Great, I will wait.
