Italian Phrase
Sì, è vuoto.
Meaning
A short, affirmative answer confirming that something contains nothing. It can refer to a physical object (a bottle, a room) or, more abstractly, to a lack of content or meaning.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks whether a container, space, or item is empty, e.g., “È vuoto il bicchiere?” (Is the glass empty?). It works in both casual and polite contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìèvuoto
Sì (affirmation)
The adverb ‘Sì’ (with an accent) means ‘yes’. It is written with an acute accent to distinguish it from the reflexive pronoun ‘si’.
è (essere, 3rd person singular)
‘è’ is the present indicative of the verb ‘essere’ (to be) for he/she/it. The grave accent marks the correct pronunciation.
vuoto (adjective)
‘vuoto’ is an adjective meaning ‘empty’. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes (masc. sing.).
🗨In Conversation
Il sacchetto è vuoto?
Is the bag empty?
Sì, è vuoto.
Yes, it's empty.
✕Common Mistakes
Si, è vuoto.
Missing the acute accent changes the meaning to the reflexive pronoun ‘si’.
Sì, e vuoto.
Using ‘e’ (and) instead of ‘è’ (is) changes the verb entirely.
Sì, è vuota.
‘Vuota’ is feminine; use it only when the noun it describes is feminine.
↔Alternatives
Sì, non c'è nulla.
Yes, there is nothing.
Sì, è privo di contenuto.
Yes, it is devoid of content.
No, non è vuoto.
No, it's not empty.
Cultural Tip
In Italian the accent on ‘Sì’ is crucial; without it the word becomes ‘si’, the reflexive pronoun meaning ‘himself/herself/itself’. Also, remember that adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe, so for a feminine noun you would say ‘È vuota’. Italians often use the phrase in everyday situations like checking if a coffee cup is empty or if a parking spot is free.