sì, infatti
/ˈsi inˈfat.ti/word by word
The English phrase "yes indeed" is translated into Italian as sì, infatti.
sì, infatti is an expression used to agree strongly with a statement or to confirm that something is true. It is most commonly used as a conversational filler to confirm that what the previous speaker said is correct or to add weight to a shared observation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sì (yes) and infatti (in fact/indeed).
Which one should you use?
While sì, infatti is used to confirm a statement based on a fact or logical consequence, sì, davvero (yes, really) is used to express genuine surprise or to emphasize that something is truly the case.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈsi inˈfat.ti/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word sì must be written with a grave accent to distinguish it from the word si, which is an impersonal pronoun used to create phrases like 'one says'.
- While English speakers use 'in fact' to introduce a new piece of information, an Italian speaker uses infatti primarily to validate what has already been said.
- The word sì is a direct descendant of the Latin word sīc, which originally meant 'thus' or 'in this manner'.
Examples in context
- La riunione è confermata per domani mattina. Person B: Assolutamente! Sarò presente puntualmente.The meeting is confirmed for tomorrow morning. Person B: Yes indeed! I'll be there on time.
- Queste sono le cifre corrette per il bilancio aziendale. Person B: Senz'altro! Lo verificherò attentamente.These are the correct figures for the company's budget. Person B: Yes indeed! I will carefully verify it.
- Possiamo vederci al parco domani pomeriggio? Friend B: Certo! Non vedo l'ora!Can we meet at the park tomorrow afternoon? Friend B: Yes indeed! I can't wait!
- Vuoi venire alla festa stasera? Friend B: Sicuro! Ci sarò senza dubbio.Do you want to come to the party tonight? Friend B: Yes indeed! I'll be there without a doubt.
- Hai voglia di un gelato? Friend B: Assolutamente sì! Ho proprio una voglia irresistibile di gelato.Do you feel like having ice cream? Friend B: Yes indeed! I really have an irresistible craving for ice cream.
- Sì, infatti è molto difficile.Yes indeed, it is very difficult.
- Sì, infatti l'ho visto io.Yes indeed, I saw it myself.
- Sì, infatti è proprio così.Yes indeed, it is exactly like that.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are discussing the weather.
- FrancescoFa davvero molto caldo oggi, vero?It is really very hot today, isn't it?
- ChiaraSì, infatti non si riesce a respirare.Yes indeed, one can hardly breathe.
- FrancescoHai ragione, è un caldo terribile.You are right, it is a terrible heat.
- ChiaraSì, infatti preferirei stare al fresco.Yes indeed, I would prefer to stay in the cool.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sì, infatti) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries infatti, sì, CC BY-SA 4.0.
