A common question for French learners is: When do I use “Oui” vs. “Si”? Both words mean “yes,” but they are used in different contexts. Here’s how to distinguish them:
1. Oui – “Yes”
Oui is the standard word for “yes” in French. You use it to confirm or agree with a question or statement.
- Example:
- Tu veux un café ? (Do you want a coffee?)
- Oui ! (Yes!)
2. Si – “Yes” to Negatives
Si is used when responding affirmatively to a negative question or statement. If someone asks you something in the negative and you want to disagree, you use si instead of oui.
- Example:
- Tu n’aimes pas le chocolat ? (You don’t like chocolate?)
- Si ! (Yes, I do!)
More Examples of Using Si:
Example 1: Responding to a Negative Question
- Tu n’as pas faim ? (Aren’t you hungry?)
- Si, j’ai très faim ! (Yes, I’m very hungry!)
Example 2: Disagreeing with a Negative Statement
- Il ne fait pas beau aujourd’hui. (It’s not nice out today.)
- Si, il fait beau ! (Yes, it’s nice out!)
Example 3: Responding to a Negative Assumption
- Tu n’as pas fini tes devoirs ? (You haven’t finished your homework?)
- Si, je les ai finis ! (Yes, I finished them!)
Example 4: Correcting a False Assumption
- Tu ne parles pas espagnol, n’est-ce pas ? (You don’t speak Spanish, right?)
- Si, je parle espagnol. (Yes, I do speak Spanish.)
When to Use Each:
- Normal yes: Use Oui to confirm a regular statement or question.
- Yes to a negative statement: Use Si to contradict or correct someone when they expect a “no.”
Quick Tip: Use si whenever you need to politely disagree with a negative assumption.
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