si (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Si" is a conjunction in Spanish. It can also appear as an adverb or a pronoun in different contexts.

Phonetic Transcription

/si/

Translation Options into English

1. If
2. Yes (as an affirmation in conversational context)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "si" is primarily used as a conditional conjunction meaning "if." It introduces conditional clauses and is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts. In colloquial speech, "si" can also denote "yes" when used in affirmations, often without the accent mark "sí." The frequency of use is high, as it appears in many conversational and conditional sentences.

Example Sentences

1. Si estudias, aprobarás el examen.
   (If you study, you will pass the exam.)

2. Sí, quiero ir al cine.
   (Yes, I want to go to the cinema.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "si" is part of several idiomatic expressions and conditional phrases in Spanish. Here are some notable idioms and their meanings:

1. Si fuera rico
   (If I were rich)
2. Often used to express hypothetical scenarios involving wealth or desires.

3. Si fuera rico, viajaría por el mundo.
   (If I were rich, I would travel the world.)

4. Si me das tu mano
   (If you give me your hand)

5. Used in contexts dealing with assistance or cooperation.

6. Si me das tu mano, podremos lograrlo juntos.
   (If you give me your hand, we can achieve it together.)

7. Si lo piensas bien
   (If you think about it well)

8. Invites someone to reconsider or reflect on a matter.

9. Si lo piensas bien, verás que no es tan complicado.
   (If you think about it well, you will see it’s not that complicated.)

10. Si no fuera por ti
    (If it weren't for you)

11. Used to express the importance of someone in achieving or avoiding something.
12. Si no fuera por ti, no habría llegado a tiempo.
    (If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have arrived on time.)

Etymology

The word "si" comes from the Latin "si," which has retained the same meaning through time. This continuity highlights its fundamental role in conditional relationships in language.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - En caso de que (In case that) - Con tal que (Provided that)

Antonyms: - Nunca (Never) when indicating something that won't happen