sí
/ˈsi/
The Spanish word for 'yes' is sí. Wiktionary also lists sí pues.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sí | /ˈsi/ |
| sí pues | /si pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word sí is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun meaning 'the affirmative answer' or as an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement.
Which one should you use?
While sí is the standard way to say yes, the phrase sí pues is a colloquial expression used to convey a somewhat reluctant or resigned agreement, similar to saying 'yeah, well' or 'fine then' in English.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When sí is used as a noun meaning 'the affirmative answer', it takes the masculine article to become el sí.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi/
Did you know?
- The word sí can actually mean 'himself', 'herself' or 'itself' depending on the context. This is because it is a direct descendant of the Latin word sibi, which was used to denote the reflexive pronoun.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, saying sí with a heavy emphasis can sometimes function as a way to express disbelief or sarcasm, much like saying 'yeah, right' in English.
- In certain Caribbean dialects, a short, clipped sí can sometimes be used as a way to signal that you are listening to someone, rather than necessarily agreeing with their point.
Examples in context
- ¿Eso es un sí?Is that a yes?The first sentence is useful for asking if a response is a sí.Tatoeba #9704213 by Shishir, translation #7812408 by Hybrid
- Ya dije que sí.I already said yes.The second sentence is useful for stating that one has already said sí.Tatoeba #4563306 by DarkHollow, translation #4562442 by Hybrid
- Di que sí y ya.Just say yes.The third sentence is useful for telling someone to simply say sí.Tatoeba #4566620 by cueyayotl, translation #2549760 by CK
- Así es, gracias.That's right, thank you.
- Desde luego, gracias.Of course, thank you.
- Sí, gracias.Yes, thanks.
- Claro que sí.Of course, yes.
- 394 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are deciding whether to go to a cafe.
- Daniel¿Quieres un café, María?Do you want a coffee, María?
- MaríaSí, por favor.Yes, please.
- Daniel¿Vamos caminando?Shall we walk?
- MaríaSí, es un buen día.Yes, it is a good day.
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.
