How to Say “Yes, of Course” in Italian

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sì, certo
/ˈsi ˈt͡ʃɛr.to/word by word
The Italian phrase for "yes, of course" is sì, certo.
sì, certo is used to give strong or enthusiastic agreement to a request or a question.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of sì, meaning "yes" and certo, which literally means "certain" or "sure".

Which one should you use?

While sì, certo is a common way to agree, in casual conversation it is often sufficient to simply use certo alone. For a more formal or emphatic way to say "yes, of course", you can use the adverb certamente.

How do you pronounce it?

The pronunciation is /ˈsi ˈtʃɛr.to/. The stress is on the first syllable of the three syllables.

Did you know?

  • In Italy, a quick upward flick of the chin or a slight tilt of the head back can function as a non-verbal sì. Conversely, a slow nod might be seen as too formal or hesitant.
  • The word sì must be written with a grave accent. Without it, si is a reflexive pronoun, meaning 'oneself', which changes the sentence structure entirely.
  • While sì, certo sounds positive, if said with a sarcastic tone and a roll of the eyes, it can actually mean 'Yeah, right' in a dismissive way.

Examples in context

  • Certo, possiamo farlo alle 10 di mattina.
    Yes, of course, we can do it at 10 in the morning.
  • Sì, certo! Mi piacerebbe molto.
    Yes, of course! I'd love to.
  • Assolutamente, prendila pure!
    Absolutely, go ahead and take it!
  • Sì, certo, ti aiuto volentieri.
    Yes, of course, I will gladly help you.
  • Sì, certo, possiamo andare al cinema.
    Yes, of course, we can go to the cinema.
  • Vuoi un po' di caffè? Sì, certo!
    Do you want some coffee? Yes, of course!

Example conversation

Matteo asks Chiara if she can check his email.

  1. Matteo

    Chiara, puoi leggere questa email per me?
    Chiara, can you read this email for me?
  2. Chiara

    Sì, certo, passami pure il telefono.
    Yes, of course, just pass me the phone.
  3. Matteo

    Grazie mille, sei molto gentile.
    Thanks a lot, you are very kind.
  4. Chiara

    Di nulla, Matteo, non c'è problema.
    You're welcome, Matteo, it's no problem.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sì, certo) and can differ in connected speech.
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Jamie Norman
Jamie NormanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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1 Comment
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Maxeme Tall
Maxeme Tall
December 31, 2024 06:12

I found this explanation very helpful. I greatly appreciated having the subtle variations of context explained.

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