sí
/ˈsi/
The Spanish word for 'yes' is sí. 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 meaning an affirmative answer. It can also express pleasure, joy or excitement, similar to 'yay' or 'whoo' in English.
Which one should you use?
sí pues is a colloquial way to say 'yes' or 'yeah' that often adds a sense of resignation or emphasis to the agreement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Dale is a slang term used in Puerto Rico to mean 'yes' casually.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using sí as a noun meaning 'the affirmative answer', it is preceded by the masculine article to form el sí.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Always include the accent mark on sí. Without the accent, si means 'if'.
Did you know?
- Spanish has a separate word sí used as a reflexive pronoun meaning 'himself', 'herself' or 'itself', which is unrelated to the word for 'yes'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight upward nod or a quick flick of the chin can accompany sí to signal agreement without a full head nod.
- The word pues in sí pues comes from the Latin word for 'after' or 'post', which is also the root of the English prefix 'post-'.
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 shows how to use sí to describe having already given an affirmative answer.Tatoeba #4563306 by DarkHollow, translation #4562442 by Hybrid
- Di que sí y ya.Just say yes.This sentence is an example of commanding someone to just say sí.Tatoeba #4566620 by cueyayotl, translation #2549760 by CK
- ¡Claro que sí! Me encantaría ir a la playa.Of course, yes! I'd love to go to the beach.
- Sí, por supuesto. Lo entregaré para el viernes.Yes, of course. I will submit it by Friday.
- 394 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are deciding whether to go to a party.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir a la fiesta hoy?Do you want to go to the party today?
- DanielSí, me encantaría ir.Yes, I would love to go.
- Sofía¡Qué bueno! ¿Nos vamos ya?That's great! Are we leaving now?
- DanielSí, estoy listo.Yes, I am ready.
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.
