sì
The English word 'yes' is expressed in Sicilian as sì or se.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Sicilian | IPA |
|---|---|
| sì | |
| se | /ˈsɛ/ /si/ |
The word is used as a particle to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Did you know?
- While sì is the direct translation of 'yes', Sicilians often repeat the entire verb of the question to confirm agreement instead of using a single particle.
- The form se is a direct descendant of the Latin sīc, which originally meant 'thus' or 'in this manner' rather than a simple 'yes'.
- In some Sicilian dialects, people may use the word uè as a way to acknowledge someone or agree in a very informal setting, acting as a functional 'yes' or 'I hear you'.
Examples in context
- Sì, è veru.Yes, it is true.
Example conversation
Salvatore asks Agata if she wants to go to the market.
- SalvatoreAgata, vulìi iri ô mercatu cu mia?Agata, do you want to go to the market with me?
- AgataSì, vulìu assai!Yes, I really want to!
- SalvatoreTi pigghiamu na cosa bona?Shall we get something good?
- AgataSì, andamu.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
