Italian Phrase
Sì, è così.
Meaning
A short, emphatic way to confirm that something is exactly as it has been described – “Yes, that’s how it is.” It can also convey agreement with a statement that has just been made.
When to use
Use it after someone explains a fact, gives an opinion, or describes a situation, when you want to show you agree or that the description is accurate. It works in both formal and informal contexts, though in very casual speech the "Sì" is often dropped.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìècosì
Sì (affirmation)
An adverb used to answer positively; it always carries an acute accent to distinguish it from the reflexive pronoun "si".
è (essere)
Third‑person singular present of the verb "essere" (to be); the accent on "è" marks the verb form, not the conjunction "e".
così (adverb)
"così" means "like that, so" and is often paired with "è" to state that something is exactly as described.
🗨In Conversation
Il treno parte alle otto, vero?
The train leaves at eight, right?
Sì, è così.
Yes, that's right.
✕Common Mistakes
si, è così.
Lower‑case "si" is the reflexive pronoun, not the affirmative "Sì".
Sì, e così.
Without the accent, "e" means "and"; the verb "è" must have the grave accent.
Sì, è cosi.
Missing the accent changes the meaning; "così" (so) is required.
↔Alternatives
Sì, è vero.
Yes, that's true.
Proprio così.
Exactly so.
Esatto.
Exactly.
Cultural Tip
In Italian conversation the tone and facial expression often carry as much meaning as the words. "Sì, è così" can sound very matter‑of‑fact, so a friendly smile or a nod helps convey warmth. In the south of Italy you’ll hear the phrase spoken a bit more slowly, while in the north speakers may drop the comma and say "È così" for a quicker affirmation.