Go Past Sì: Say ‘Sure’ in Italian 13+ Methods

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To say “sure” in Italian, you’ll often say sì. It’s in all probability one of many very first Italian phrases you’ll study. However have you learnt Italians have many different methods to say “sure” or to agree, relying on the context?

The Italian language is something however repetitive, and the extra expressions you already know, the extra pure you’ll sound. So, let’s enhance your vocabulary with these widespread and expressive methods to say “sure” in Italian!

The way to use sì in Italian appropriately

Sì is an adverb which means “sure” in Italian. It comes from the Latin phrase sīc (so). Look rigorously on the spelling! Sì with an accent on the letter “i” means “sure.” Si (no accent) is a pronoun in Italian or it may very well be the musical be aware B.

It’s thought of a parola-frase—a phrase that acts as a full sentence—so it’s typically used as a standalone to reply a query. Its reverse is the phrase no, which is identical as in English.

• Parli italiano? = Do you converse Italian?

Italians typically pair sì with different Italian adverbs or repeat it twice for emphasis.

• Sì sì! = Sure, sure!
• Sì, davvero! = Sure, actually!
• Certo che sì. = After all, sure.

You’ll additionally hear it in oblique solutions.

• Ha detto di sì. = He/she stated sure.
• Ha fatto cenno di sì. = He/she nodded sure.

Sì has completely different intonations for various makes use of

Italians pronounce sì like a query when answering the telephone.

• Sì? = Hiya? (casual for pronto?)

It has the identical question-like intonation when your title is known as.

Intonation issues additionally to speak irritation or sarcasm.

• Sììì, mamma mia! = Yesss, for heaven’s sake!
• Sììì, ho capito! = Yesss, I bought it!
• Sì, ciaooo! = Yeah, proper!
• Sì, domani! = Positive, tomorrow! (sarcastic when somebody is dragging their toes)

Different essential methods to say ‘sure’ in Italian (apart from sì)

Even a easy phrase like sì has loads of alternate options, so that you don’t should depend on the identical phrase each time. These different methods to say “sure” in Italian may also help you be extra expressive and focused in your conversations with native store house owners and waiters. One factor you’ll discover within the phrases beneath are variations of the phrase as an Italian adverb that may additionally operate as adjectives. You may inform as a result of they take the “-mente” ending  as an adverb of method. These types are extra polished and usually much less widespread in spoken Italian in comparison with written.

Certo/certamente

Certo means “after all” in Italian and expresses specific settlement to one thing. 

• Vai stasera? = Are you going tonight?

Certamente is barely extra well mannered and customary in writing or when utilizing the formal “you.”

• Mi può aiutare con questo documento? = Are you able to assist me with this doc?
  • Certamente, me ne occupo subito. = After all, I’ll deal with it straight away.

Okay

No want for clarification right here. Okay/okay is borrowed from English. It’s tremendous pleasant and frequent in spoken Italian and textual content messages.

D’accordo

Actually that means “in settlement,” d’accordo is a well mannered strategy to say “sure” or “I agree.”

• Facciamo così? = Lets do it this fashion?

Va bene

One other alternative for “sure,” va bene interprets to “alright.” Some good alternate options are bene (good) and molto bene or benissimo (each that means “excellent” in Italian).

• Porto il dolce? = Shall I convey dessert?

Esatto/esattamente

Use esatto (precisely) if you need to verify one thing exactly.

• Arrivi alle 11:00? = Do you arrive at 11:00 a.m.?

Esattamente works equally to exchange “sure” in Italian, however it emphasizes how one thing is precise or spot on. It’s often adopted by a sentence that reinforces or explains the thought.

• Esattamente, è andata proprio così. = Precisely, that’s exactly the way it went.

Senza dubbio and senz’altro

Senza dubbio/senza ombra di dubbio (indubitably) and senz’altro (with out the rest) each translate as “undoubtedly,” “completely,” or “after all.”

• Sii puntuale. = Be on time.
  • Senza dubbio!/Senz’altro! = Positively!

Ovvio/ovviamente

Which means “apparent/clearly,” these two phrases greatest agree with one thing that appears self-evident. Simply as in English, they’ll sound honest or sarcastic, so thoughts the tone.

• Sei agitato? = Are you nervous?

Whereas each phrases can be utilized to imply “sure,” ovviamente typically sounds extra pure when it introduces a proof or provides context, relatively than standing alone.

• Ti sei divertito alla festa di Luca? = Did you could have enjoyable at Luca’s social gathering?
  • Ovviamente, le sue feste sono sempre magnifiche! = Clearly, his events are at all times wonderful!

Assolutamente

This is identical because the English phrase “completely.” However its that means might be “sure” or “no” when used alone, relying on the query.

• Andrai alla festa? = Are you going to the social gathering?
  • Assolutamente. = Completely!
• Non andrai alla festa, vero? = You’re not going to the social gathering, proper?
  • Assolutamente. = Completely not.

Phrases for ‘sure’ in different Italian dialects

The phrase sì (sure) is so distinctive to the language that within the 1300s, Dante Alighieri outlined Italian as lingua del sì (the language of sì) to check it with different Romance languages.

Nevertheless, Italian dialects and slang have turned this easy phrase into numerous native phrases over the centuries.

• Eia is a singular strategy to say sì in Sardinia, in all probability from Latin etiam (certainly).
• Eh is widespread in Naples and lots of Italian areas, particularly if you imply “Sure, after all.”
• Avoja (completely otherwise you wager) is a well-liked Roman expression, additionally a part of Italian slang, as avoglia.

Central Italian areas have their distinctive pronunciations of sì (sure). You might hear:

• shi (Marche area)
• scine (Abruzzo)
• sine (Rome and close by cities)

Familiarizing your self with these expressions and synonyms helps you converse naturally, whether or not you need to order meals in Italian or navigate knowledgeable dialog. So, the training technique makes the distinction.
With Rosetta Stone, you’ll study Italian in context, follow, and get on the spot suggestions from native audio system—one of the best ways to say sì to your Italian journey! Uncover how Rosetta Stone works now.