Portuguese Phrase
Sim, sou.
Meaning
Literally ‘Yes, I am.’ The speaker is confirming a statement about themselves—usually their identity, profession, or a permanent characteristic.
When to use
Use this short reply after a yes‑no question that asks who you are, what you do, or what you belong to, e.g., ‘Você é professor?’ ‘Sim, sou.’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sim,sou.
Sim (affirmation)
‘Sim’ is the standard word for ‘yes’ in Portuguese and is used to affirm a statement or answer a yes‑no question.
Sou (first‑person of ser)
‘Sou’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘ser’, which describes permanent or defining characteristics such as identity, profession, or nationality.
Ser vs. estar
Use ‘ser’ (sou, és, é…) for lasting traits; use ‘estar’ (estou, estás, está…) for temporary states or locations.
🗨In Conversation
Você é estudante?
Are you a student?
Sim, sou.
Yes, I am.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, estou.
‘Estar’ describes temporary states; use ‘sou’ when confirming identity or a permanent trait.
Sim sou.
A comma (or a short pause) separates the affirmation from the verb; omitting it can sound rushed.
↔Alternatives
Sim, eu sou.
Yes, I am.
Claro, sou.
Sure, I am.
Com certeza, sou.
Certainly, I am.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese, ‘sim’ is the go‑to word for affirmation, but the verb you pair with it matters. ‘Sou’ (from ser) signals a permanent attribute—your name, nationality, profession, etc. If you answer a question about a temporary condition, you would use ‘estou’, e.g., ‘Sim, estou cansado’ (Yes, I’m tired). Also, the comma after ‘Sim’ is optional in casual speech but recommended in writing for clarity.