How to Say "Yes Sir" in Spanish

sí señor

/si seɲoɾ/from spelling rules

In Spanish, the phrase for "yes sir" is sí señor.

The phrase sí señor is a common way to express agreement or compliance while showing deference and respect to a male superior, elder or customer.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of sí (yes) and señor (sir/gentleman).

Which one should you use?

While sí señor is used for men, you should use sí señora if you are addressing a woman formally.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In some regions of Mexico, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula, it is common to use Sí, patrón (Yes, boss) or Sí, jefe (Yes, chief) to address someone in a respectful way.

How do you pronounce it?

/si seɲoɾ/

Did you know?

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying sí señor can feel overly formal or even sarcastic if used among close friends or peers.
The word señor descended from a Vulgar Latin term senjor that blended the concepts of being an elder and being a master.
In some dialects, adding señor to the end of a sentence can be used ironically to mock someone who is acting overly bossy or pretentious.

Examples in context

Sí señor, me gustaría hablar francés.
Yes, sir, I would like to speak French.
This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sí señor.
Tatoeba #6623816 by Schuager, translation #6622791 by CarpeLanam
Cuando me preguntó si había completado el informe, respondí: "Sí, señor."
When he asked me if I had completed the report, I replied, "Yes, Sir."
¿Podría traerme el informe lo más pronto posible?" – "Por supuesto, señor."
"Could you bring me the report as soon as possible?" – "Of course, Sir."
"Es imperativo que complete el trabajo hoy mismo" – "Desde luego, señor."
"It is imperative that you finish the work today" – "Certainly, Sir."
"Es importante que llegues a tiempo mañana" – "De acuerdo, señor."
"It's important that you arrive on time tomorrow" – "All right, Sir."

Example conversation

Elena is speaking to her boss at the office.

Elena

Mateo, ¿puede revisar este informe?
Mateo, can you review this report?
Mateo

Claro, tráigalo a mi oficina.
Of course, bring it to my office.
Elena

Sí señor, voy ahora mismo.
Yes sir, I am going right now.
Mateo

Gracias, Elena.
Thank you, Elena.

Sources

IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries señor, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “Yes Sir” in Spanish