Portuguese Phrase
É sim.
Meaning
A short, emphatic way to say “yes, that’s right” or “indeed”. It confirms the previous statement or answer with a touch of certainty.
When to use
Use in informal spoken Portuguese when you want to strongly affirm something that has just been said or asked. It works well after a yes/no question, a correction, or when you’re agreeing with a statement.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ésim
É (ser)
Third‑person singular present of the verb *ser*, used here as a copular verb to affirm a statement.
sim
Adverb of affirmation meaning “yes”. When placed after *é* it adds emphasis, similar to “yes, indeed”.
🗨In Conversation
Você vai ao cinema hoje?
Are you going to the movies today?
É sim.
Yes, I am.
✕Common Mistakes
É não.
‘É não’ is not used; the negative answer is simply ‘Não’ or ‘Não, não’.
É sim?
Adding a question mark turns the phrase into a doubtful statement; use ‘É sim’ as a confident affirmation, not a question.
É, sim.
The comma is optional in Brazil but can sound overly formal; most speakers say ‘É sim’ without a pause.
↔Alternatives
Sim.
Yes.
É, sim.
Yes, indeed.
Claro.
Of course.
Com certeza.
Certainly.
Cultural Tip
‘É sim’ is a colloquial Brazilian Portuguese expression. It’s common in everyday conversation but rarely appears in formal writing. In Portugal you’ll often hear a slight pause and a comma – ‘É, sim’ – which signals the same meaning. Using it adds a friendly, confident tone to your reply.