si/si/
adverb / conjunction / noun / interjection · A2 · Frequency 88
adverb
Meanings
so (intensifier)
Used as an adverb to intensify, indicating degree or manner.
however (in concessive “si…que” construction)
Used to introduce concessive clauses, indicating concession.
yes
Used as an adverb to affirmatively answer negative questions.
Examples
Cette soupe est si chaude qu'il faut attendre avant de la goûter.
This soup is so hot that one has to wait before tasting it.
Il parle si doucement que personne ne l'entend au fond de la salle.
He speaks so softly that no one can hear him at the back of the room.
Si difficile que soit la tâche, elle ne renonce pas.
However difficult the task may be, she does not give up.
Collocations
- si fortso strong
- si tu veuxif you want
- si ouiyes
Common mistakes
Tu ne viens pas ? Oui.
Tu ne viens pas ? Si.
In affirmative answers to negative questions, French uses 'si' instead of 'oui'.
Related words
synonymainsithus, so
- antonymnonno
conjunction
Meanings
expressing condition or hypothesis, meaning 'if' or 'assuming that'
used to introduce conditional clauses, indicating a hypothesis or condition
Examples
Si tu finis tôt, nous irons au marché.
If you finish early, we will go to the market.
Je me demande si le train arrivera à l'heure.
I wonder whether the train will arrive on time.
Même si la route est longue, nous continuerons à pied.
Even if the road is long, we will continue on foot.
Collocations
- si tu veuxif you want
- si mêmeeven if
- si toutefoiseven though
Common mistakes
Si il pleut, je reste à la maison.
S'il pleut, je reste à la maison.
After 'si' followed by a vowel-starting verb, the contraction s' + il should be used.
Si tu viens, je suis content.
Même si tu viens, je suis content.
To express concession, 'même si' should be used instead of just 'si'.
Related words
synonymau cas oùin case, if
- antonymmaisbut
Grammar note
When si introduces a conditional clause, the verb is usually in the indicative; when it introduces a concessive clause, the verb is in the subjunctive.
nounmasculine
Meanings
si, the note 'B'
Refers to the musical note B, commonly used in musical contexts.
if; in case (conjunction)
Used as a conjunction to introduce conditional clauses, expressing hypothesis or condition.
yes
Used as an adverb, often to affirm in response to a negative statement, emphasizing contradiction.
Examples
Le pianiste a joué un si très doux.
The pianist played a very soft B.
La chanteuse a tenu un si pendant plusieurs secondes.
The singer held a B for several seconds.
Le professeur demande aux élèves de chanter un si aigu.
The teacher asks the students to sing a high B.
Collocations
- la note sithe note B
Related words
interjection
Meanings
yes (used to contradict a negative statement)
Used to answer negative questions or statements, expressing affirmation.
if (expressing a condition)
Used as a conjunction to introduce conditional clauses.
Examples
Si, j'ai bien envoyé le dossier hier.
Yes, I did send the file yesterday.
Si, cette porte était ouverte quand je suis arrivé.
Yes, this door was open when I arrived.
Si, nous avons réservé une table pour ce soir.
Yes, we did reserve a table for tonight.
Collocations
- si ouiif yes
- si nonif no
- si jamaisif ever
Common mistakes
Oui, je viens.
Si, je viens.
When answering a negative question, use 'si' instead of 'oui' to express affirmation.