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 an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement, similar to the English 'yay' or 'whoo'. Additionally, sí can function as a noun meaning an affirmative answer.
Which one should you use?
While sí is the standard way to say yes, the colloquial phrase sí pues can be used to express agreement or to conclude a point. In certain Latin American dialects, this phrase is translated as 'yes, well' or 'yes, then'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase sí pues is used in certain Latin American dialects. The word Vale is commonly used in Spain to convey an informal 'yes'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using sí as a noun to mean 'an affirmative answer', it is preceded by the definite article el (e.g., el sí).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Always include the accent mark on sí when you mean 'yes'. Without the accent, the word si means 'if'.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'yes', sí, shares a common ancestor with the English word 'self'. This is because the Latin root sibi originally meant 'to oneself'.
- A very common way to say 'yes' in Spanish is to simply repeat the verb used in the question, making the word sí optional.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight upward nod or a click of the tongue can accompany sí to signal agreement without needing a full sentence.
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 the use of sí as the object of a statement.Tatoeba #4563306 by DarkHollow, translation #4562442 by Hybrid
- Di que sí y ya.Just say yes.This sentence demonstrates a command to provide an affirmative sí.Tatoeba #4566620 by cueyayotl, translation #2549760 by CK
- 394 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are deciding whether to go to a cafe.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir por un café?Do you want to go for a coffee?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
- Daniel¿Está bien si vamos ahora?Is it okay if we go now?
- SofíaSí, vamos.Yes, let's go.
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.
