If you thought sì was the only way to say “yes” in Italian, then you’re in for a treat. While sì may be one of the first words you learn, there are so many ways to agree with someone in this language. Whether you’re enthusiastically accepting a dinner date, reluctantly agreeing to doing something, or simply saying yes to another round of prosecco, these 15 Italian expressions will have you sounding like a true local!

1. Sì
(Yes)
Short and sweet, sì is the simplest and most common way to say “yes” in Italian. Don’t forget the accent on the ì! Without it, you might accidentally write si, which can be either a reflexive pronoun (“himself” or “herself”) or a musical note (B) – which could lead to some rather amusing misunderstandings!
A: Esci questa sera? – Are you going out tonight?
B: Sì, ci vediamo alle 10 al solito al bar. – Yes, see you at 10 as usual at the coffee shop.
When you’re feeling extra enthusiastic, use an assolutamente sì to let everyone know you’re absolutely committed:
A: Vieni anche tu al concerto domani? – Are you coming to the concert tomorrow too?
B: Assolutamente sì, non me lo perderei per nulla al mondo! – Definitely! I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
2. Ok
(Okay)
OK might be borrowed from English, but it’s widely used in Italian too. It’s a casual and versatile word to show approval or agreement, though it can sometimes sound less enthusiastic, depending on your tone. Italians might also say occappa, mimicking the sounds of O and K, or simply shorten it to oc.
A: Ti va un caffè? – Do you want a coffee?
B: Ok! – Ok!
3. Va bene
(All right / alright)
Va bene literally translates to it goes well, but it’s the Italian equivalent of “alright” or “that’s fine.” Depending on your tone, it can convey anything from cheerful agreement to resigned acceptance (particularly when accompanied by a deep sigh or preceded by “e”!):
A: Puoi fermarti un paio di ore in più oggi? – Can you stay a couple of extra hours today?
B: E va bene… – Alright then…

4. D’accordo
(Agreed / Alright)
D’accordo is the perfect choice when you want to convey that you’re on the same page with someone:
A: Secondo me è meglio se parliamo prima con Carlo. – I think it’s better if we talk to Carlo first.
B: D’accordo, facciamo così allora. – Alright, let’s do that then.
5. Esatto
(Exactly)
This is the word to use when you want to confirm someone’s spot-on observation:
A: Si dice bru-sche-tta, giusto? – It’s pronounced bru-sche-tta, right?
B: Esatto, bravissima! – Exactly, very well done!
6. Sicuramente
(Definitely / For sure)
When you are absolutely certain about something, sicuramente is your word. It’s got that confident vibe that lets the other person know you’re all in:
A: Verrete anche tu e Chiara alla festa? – Will you and Chiara come to the party too?
B: Sicuramente! – Definitely!

7. Certo / Certamente
(Of course)
Whether you’re being asked a favour or giving your approval, this polite expression conveys a warm, reassuring “yes” in Italian:
A: Posso parlarti un attimo in privato? – Can I speak with you in private for a moment?
B: Certo, andiamo nel mio ufficio. – Of course, let’s go to my office.
8. Ovvio / Ovviamente
(Obviously)
This is perfect when something is so evident that it barely needs stating. It can also be used sarcastically to imply that the answer is, well, obvious (as if you’re thinking, “Well, duh!”):
A: Ci vogliono anche le uova per la torta? – Do we need eggs for the cake too?
B: Ovvio! – Obviously!
9. Naturale / Naturalmente
(Naturally / Of course)
Similar to ovvio, this term is used to express agreement with something that feels expected or completely understandable:
A: Ho bisogno di un pò di tempo per pensarci prima di darti una risposta. – I need some time to think before I give you an answer.
B: Naturalmente, prendi tutto il tempo che ti serve. – Naturally, take all the time you need.

10. Altroché
(Of course / Absolutely)
This expression goes beyond a simple “yes” to add a burst of enthusiasm and emphasis to your response:
A: Ti piace la pasta al ragù? – Do you like pasta with ragù?
B: Altrochè! È uno dei miei piatti preferiti. – Absolutely! It’s one of my favourite dishes.
11. Senza dubbio
(Without a doubt)
Use this expression when you’re completely certain about something or when you strongly agree with what someone else is saying. For added emphasis, you can say Senza ombra di dubbio (Without a shadow of a doubt):
A: Questa mostra è pazzesco! – This exhibition is amazing!
B: Senza dubbio uno dei più belli a cui ho partecipato negli ultimi anni. – Without a doubt, one of the best I’ve attended in recent years.
12. Vero
(True)
This is an excellent way to agree with someone’s reminder of something important that you might have forgotten or simply to acknowledge a fact:
A: È domani il tuo appuntamento dal dentista? – Is your dentist appointment tomorrow
B: Vero! Me ne ero dimenticato. – True! I forgot about that.

13. Giusto
(Right)
Use this when you want to enthusiastically endorse a statement or observation, as if to say “well said!”
A: Sono stufo di questa situazione al lavoro. – I’m fed up with this situation at work.
B: Giusto! Dovremmo scioperare! – Right! We should go on strike!
14. Volentieri
(I’d love to)
This is the perfect way to happily say yes to an invitation – whether it’s for a coffee, a fun plan, or anything else delightful that comes your way.
A: Ti va un caffè? – Would you like a coffee?
B: Volentieri! – Gladly!
15. Ci sto
(I’m in)
Similar to volentieri, ci sto is a more relaxed and casual way to express your enthusiasm for participating in something:
A: Per Pasqua noi andiamo in Sicilia, vieni con noi? – We’re going to Sicily. For Easter Will you come with us?
B: Ci sto! – I’m in!
16. Magari
(I wish)
Magari captures that mix of hope and doubt we all feel when we really want something to happen but deep down, we aren’t quite sure if it will. It’s like daydreaming about winning the lottery – we’re excited and hopeful, yet grounded with a touch of realism.
A: Ma ci pensi? Potremmo essere a studiare in America tra un anno! – Can you imagine? We could be studying in America in a year!
B: Magari! – I wish!
17. Come no
(Certainly / For sure)
You can use come no to say yes to a request. Alternatively, it can be used ironically to imply that you’re not too thrilled about something:
A: Mi accompagni all’Ikea domani? – Will you take me to Ikea tomorrow?
B: Come no! E magari passiamo anche tutta la notte a montare i mobili! – Sure! And maybe we can spend the whole night assembling the furniture too!

Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.