sīc
Yes in Latin is expressed by several particles, with sīc being the default form. Wiktionary also lists etiam and ita.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| sīc | |
| etiam | [ˈɛ.ti.ãː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛt.t͡si.am] (narrow) |
| ita | [ˈɪ.ta] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈiː.ta] (narrow) |
| ita vērō | |
| vērō |
While sīc is a standard way to indicate agreement, other forms like vērō or ita vērō shift the meaning toward 'truly' or 'indeed'. Some words, such as eu and euge, are used as interjections to express pleasure, joy or great excitement, similar to the English 'yay' or 'whoo'.
Which one should you use?
The particle ita is frequently used to mean 'yes' in the sense of 'in such a way' or 'so', often appearing in the common phrase ita est (it is so). For a stronger, more emphatic way to say 'yes', you can use the phrase ita vērō, which functions as 'it is indeed so' or 'verily'. The word vērō can also be used alone to mean 'yes' when you want to confirm the truth of a statement, meaning 'truly' or 'really'.
Related words
Did you know?
- In Roman times, a 'yes' was often expressed by repeating the main verb of the question. For example, if asked 'Are you coming?', a Roman might simply answer venio ('I am coming') rather than using a particle.
- The word ita may share an ancient ancestral root with the English word 'item'.
- Latin lacks a single, dedicated word for 'yes' like English does. Instead, speakers use different particles depending on whether they are agreeing with a fact, confirming a truth or showing enthusiasm.
Examples in context
- Ita est, verum est!Yes, it's true!This sentence uses ita to confirm a statement.Tatoeba #8214005 by Hans07, translation #2650224 by Hybrid
- Ita, lac optimum est.Yes, the milk is very good.This sentence uses ita to agree with a description.Tatoeba #1517870 by alexmarcelo, translation #403146 by Ramses
- Ita, mihi est infans.Yes, I have a baby.This sentence uses ita to provide an affirmative response.Tatoeba #12733679 by rul, translation #12733586 by rul
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Aurelia are discussing their dinner plans.
- LuciusVisne cenare nobiscum hodie?Do you want to have dinner with us today?
- AureliaSīc, libenter veniam.Yes, I would gladly come.
- LuciusTunc ad sextam veni.Then come at six o'clock.
- AureliaSīc, ibi erō.Yes, I will be there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries etiam, ita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etiam, ita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
