sí
/ˈsi/
The English phrase "yup" can be translated to Spanish as sí.
You can also use the informal phrase Sí, claro to express agreement, meaning "yes, of course".
Meaning: (informal) yes (intj)
Which one should you use?
While sí is the standard way to say "yes", it is more neutral or formal than the English "yup".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In very informal or youthful contexts, some Spanish speakers use sip as a direct phonetic mimicry of the English "yup" to convey a casual "yup" or "yeah".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi/
Did you know?
- While sí means 'yes', the word si without the accent mark means 'if'. A single stroke of a pen changes the word from an affirmation to a condition.
- The Latin origin of sí is actually 'sīc', which historically meant 'thus' or 'in this manner' rather than just a simple affirmation.
- If you use sí too abruptly in certain Latin American countries, it can sound dismissive or even rude, as if you are trying to end the conversation quickly.
Examples in context
- "¿Usted odia eso?" "Sí." "Yo lo odio también.""Do you hate that?" "Yup." "I hate it too."Tatoeba #2184664 by marcelostockle, translation #10795487 by Luornu
- Sí, parece que incluso el doctor estaba por arrojar la toalla.Yup, it seems like even the doctor was about to throw in the towel.Tatoeba #1787075 by marcelostockle, translation #1787076 by marcelostockle
- ¿Podrías completar este informe a tiempo? / ¡Claro que sí, jefe!Could you complete this report on time? / Definitely, boss!
- ¿Quieres que te acompañe a esa reunión? / Vale, gracias por ofrecerte.Do you want me to accompany you to that meeting? / Yup, thanks for offering.
- ¿Quieres ir a comer tacos? / ¡Claro que sí, güey!Do you want to go eat tacos? / Yup, dude!
- ¿Compartimos los gastos de la cena? / ¡Pues claro!Shall we split the dinner costs? / Yup, of course!
- Sí, ya terminé la tarea.Yup, I already finished my homework.
Example conversation
Lucía asks Mateo if he is ready to leave.
- Lucía¿Estás listo para irnos, Mateo?Are you ready to go, Mateo?
- MateoSí, ya tengo las llaves.Yup, I already have the keys.
- Lucía¡Perfecto! Vamos entonces.Perfect! Let's go then.
- MateoVamos.Let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
