Adverbs of Affirmation

Adverbs of affirmation are those adverbs that are used to indicate that a statement is true or that in some other way to affirm it. They can be used within sentences, often as a way of adding emphasis, but they are often used alone as the answer to a question.

Perhaps the most common adverb of affirmation, one familiar to all beginning Spanish speakers, is sí. It is the simple affirmative answer to a question, usually translated as "yes": ¿Te gustan las fresas? —Sí. "Do you like the strawberries?" "Yes."

Unlike the English words "yes," however, sí is commonly used even when a question hasn't been asked or implied:

• ¡Claro que sí! Of course!
• Él no lo creía, pero yo sí. He didn't believe it, but I did.
• Creo que sí. I believe (or think) so.
• ¡Ahora sí que vas a saber lo que es bueno! Now you're really going to know what is good.
• Sí que me gusta el chocolate. I really like chocolate.

Here are some of the other common adverbs (or adverbial phrases) of affirmation:

Ciertamente is the equivalent of "certainly." Ciertamente Carlos es un bailarín glorioso. Carlos is certainly a magnificent dancer.

Claro is often translated as "clearly." Claro, no tiene experiencia política. Clearly, she doesn't have political experience.

Obviamente is often translated as "obviously." El primer consejo, obviamente, debe ser escuchar. The first piece of advice, obviously, ought to be to listen.

Por supuesto is often translated as "of course." Por supuesto nuestro cliente participa activamente. Of course, our client actively participates.

También typically means "also." También habla francés. He also speaks French.