Contradicting Negative Questions: Si
When someone asks you a negative question in English (like "Aren't you going?"), you answer with "Yes" to contradict them and affirm that you are, in fact, going.
In French, you cannot use oui to contradict a negative question or statement. Instead, you must use a special word: si.
| yes (answering a negative question) | si |
Using si makes it completely clear that you are disagreeing with the negative premise of the question.
| The ambassador isn't signing the treaty? Yes, he is signing it. | L'ambassadeur ne signe pas le traité ? Si, il le signe. |
| You aren't refusing the agreement? Yes, I am refusing it. | Vous ne refusez pas l'accord ? Si, je le refuse. |
Standalone and Expanded Answers
Just like oui and non, you can use si entirely on its own, or you can follow it up with a full sentence to clarify your position—especially useful during complex diplomatic negotiations!
| The ambassador isn't ratifying the treaty in Spain? Yes, he is. | L'ambassadeur ne ratifie pas le traité en Espagne ? Si. |
| Is there no longer an agreement? Yes, the ambassador is signing it tomorrow. | Il n'y a plus d'accord ? Si, l'ambassadeur le signe demain. |
Discussing Treaties and Alliances
As you negotiate, you will frequently need verbs like ratifier (to ratify) and rompre (to break). Notice how si steps in to correct misunderstandings about these actions.
| The ally doesn't want to break the alliance? Yes, he wants to break it. | L'allié ne veut pas rompre l'alliance ? Si, il veut la rompre. |
| Yes, our ally is very peaceful. | Si, notre allié est très pacifique. |
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