Sí, claro
/ˈsi ˈklaɾo/word by word
The English phrase "yes sure" is translated into Spanish as Sí, claro.
¡Claro que sí! is an informal expression used to convey strong and enthusiastic agreement. ¡Cómo no! is an expression used to agree with enthusiasm and show a willingness to comply.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the intonation, Sí, claro can be used sarcastically to mean "Yeah, right" in a dismissive way.
Did you know?
- The word claro literally means 'clear' or 'bright', which is why using it to say 'sure' implies that the answer is as obvious as a clear sky.
- The word sí shares a common ancestor with the French word soi and the Italian word sé, which both refer to the self.
- Depending on the region, claro can be used as a filler word during a conversation to show the listener is following along, similar to how English speakers say 'I see' or 'right'.
Examples in context
- Sí, claro, te ayudo con eso.Yes sure, I will help you with that.
- ¿Quieres ir al cine? Sí, claro.– Do you want to go to the movies? – Yes sure.
- Sí, claro, podemos salir mañana.Yes sure, we can go out tomorrow.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are deciding on a place to eat.
- Alejandro¿Me acompañas a comer fuera hoy?Will you go out to eat with me today?
- MaríaSí, claro, me encantaría.Yes sure, I would love to.
- Alejandro¿Vamos al restaurante nuevo?Shall we go to the new restaurant?
- MaríaSí, claro, vamos allá.Yes sure, let's go there.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sí, claro) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claro, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
