sí mamá
/si mama/from spelling rules
The English phrase "yes mama" is translated into Spanish as sí mamá.
A response used to answer one's mother in the affirmative.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Spanish, a comma is used to separate the affirmative 'sí' from the person being addressed, 'mamá'.
How do you pronounce it?
/si mama/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking Caribbean-influenced slang, a person might use sí, mami to refer to a romantic partner rather than a mother. This usage shifts the term from a familial one to a term of endearment for a woman.
- While sí means 'yes', the word sí without an accent mark is a reflexive pronoun meaning 'himself', 'herself' or 'itself'.
- The word sí comes from the Latin 'sīc', which originally meant 'thus' or 'in this manner' rather than just 'yes'.
Examples in context
- Sí, madre. Llevaré a cabo todas tus indicaciones.Yes mama. I will carry out all your instructions.
- Sí, mamá. No te preocupes, ya estoy listoYes mama. Don't worry, I'm ready now.
- Claro que sí, mami. Haré todo lo que me pidesOf course, mama. I will do everything you ask.
Example conversation
María asks Mateo to help her in the kitchen.
- MateoMateo, ¿puedes ayudarme con los platos?Mateo, can you help me with the dishes?
- MaríaSí mamá, voy enseguida.Yes mama, I'll be right there.
- MateoGracias, hijo.Thank you, son.
- MaríaDe nada.You're welcome.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mamá, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
