Inklingo

How to Say "yes" in Spanish

English → Spanish

Sí

/see//si/

AdverbA1General
Use 'Sí' as the standard, general affirmative response to a question, similar to 'yes' in English. It's the most common and versatile option.
A person nodding their head with a happy expression and a large green checkmark icon floating beside them.

Examples

¿Te gusta la paella? —Sí, me encanta.

Do you like paella? —Yes, I love it.

—¿Quieres café? —Sí, por favor.

—Do you want coffee? —Yes, please.

Creo que sí.

I think so.

Ella dijo que sí vendría.

She said that yes, she would come.

The Mighty Accent Mark

The little line over the 'i' (the accent mark or 'tilde') is not optional. It's what changes the word from 'if' (si) to 'yes' (sí). Always include it when you mean 'yes'.

Forgetting the Accent

Mistake: “When asked a question, a learner might reply: 'Si.'”

Correction: The correct reply is 'Sí.' Without the accent, the other person might be confused and think you're starting an 'if...' sentence.

Ajá

InterjectionA1Informal
Use 'Ajá' for a very informal, casual confirmation or acknowledgment, often said with a nod, similar to 'uh-huh' or 'yeah'. It implies understanding or agreement without strong emphasis.

Examples

—Vamos a las ocho, ¿vale? —Ajá.

—We're going at eight, okay? —Uh-huh.

Formal vs. Informal Affirmation

The main confusion is using the informal 'Ajá' when a more standard 'Sí' is appropriate. While 'Ajá' can mean 'yes,' it's best reserved for casual, brief acknowledgments, not for direct answers to questions where 'Sí' is expected.

Related Translations

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