sí, lo eres
In Spanish, "yes, you are" is translated as sí, lo eres.
This expression is used to agree with a statement made about someone's identity or their permanent characteristics.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "yes, it/that [you] are". The word lo functions as a neuter pronoun meaning "it" or "that", which refers back to the specific identity or characteristic that was previously mentioned.
Which one should you use?
This phrase is used specifically for identity or permanent traits. If you were agreeing with a temporary state or a location, you would not use this phrase. Instead, you would say sí, lo estás.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb ser (to be) in the second person singular present tense. This specific verb is used here because the statement concerns permanent identities or characteristics.
Did you know?
- The word eres is actually a linguistic relic from the Latin future tense, meaning 'you will be'.
- The use of the neuter pronoun lo allows a speaker to agree with any adjective regardless of whether the person being spoken to is male or female.
- In some contexts, substituting lo eres with lo estás can change a compliment about a person's nature into a comment on their current behavior.
Examples in context
- Sí, lo eres.Yes, you are.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about Mateo's talent for music.
- Mateo¿Soy un buen músico?Am I a good musician?
- ElenaSí, lo eres, Mateo.Yes, you are, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Elena.Thank you, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eres, lo, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
