Spanish · Greetings & Essentials
"Yes" in Spanish: sí
sí
Yes in Spanish is sí (see), written with an accent. Plain si without the accent means if, not sí. A warm sí, claro softens a bare yes.
Confirming a plan
Sí, nos vemos a las siete.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce sí
Say it
see
/si/
See, one short syllable. The accent on sí marks meaning, not a longer vowel. Keep sí crisp.
"Yes" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| sí | yes Basic agreement in any register. | Basic agreement in any register. |
| sí, claro | yes, of course Friendly, willing yes. | Friendly, willing yes. |
| cómo no | sure / of course Warm yes, especially in Latin America. | Warm yes, especially in Latin America. |
| ajá | uh-huh Casual spoken agreement while listening. | Casual spoken agreement while listening. |
| exacto | exactly Stronger yes when confirming details. | Stronger yes when confirming details. |
How to use sí in real life
- 1Confirming a plan
Sí, nos vemos a las siete.
Yes, see you at seven.
A simple sí plus the plan is enough.
- 2At a market stall
Sí, quiero medio kilo.
Yes, I want half a kilo.
Vendors wait for a clear sí before weighing.
- 3Polite agreement
Sí, claro. Con mucho gusto.
Yes, of course. Gladly.
Sí, claro sounds more willing than bare sí.
Mistakes English speakers make with sí
Incorrect: Si, voy.
Correct: Sí, voy.
Yes needs the accent: sí. Si without it means if.
Incorrect: Yes, gracias.
Correct: Sí, gracias.
Switch fully to Spanish: sí, not English yes.
Good to know
A bare sí can sound blunt in some service moments, so people often add claro or how they will help. Nodding while saying sí is common. In writing, the accent on sí is the difference between yes and if.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Confirming a dinner invitation
ChatPal
¿Vienes a cenar el viernes?
Are you coming to dinner on Friday?
You
Sí, con gusto.
Yes, gladly.
ChatPal
Perfecto. ¿Llegas a las ocho?
Perfect. Will you arrive at eight?
You
Sí, a las ocho está bien.
Yes, eight works.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Yes" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Yes" in Spanish
Why does sí need an accent?
The accent marks yes: sí. Without it, si means if.
How do you pronounce sí?
Like English see, short and clear. Stress is automatic on one-syllable sí.
Is sí too blunt with strangers?
Sometimes. Soften with sí, claro or sí, por favor in service talk.
Do people say sí señor?
Yes in some regions as polite emphasis. Everyday sí still works everywhere.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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