A1 Sentence Structure 13 min read Easy

The French 'Si': Using 'If' and 'Yes' (Contradiction)

Use si for 'if' conditions and as a special 'yes' to contradict negative statements or questions.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Si' instead of 'Oui' when you are contradicting a negative question or statement.

  • Use 'Oui' for a normal positive 'Yes'. Example: 'Tu aimes le café ?' -> 'Oui.'
  • Use 'Si' to say 'Yes, I actually do' to a negative question. Example: 'Tu n'aimes pas le café ?' -> 'Si !'
  • Only use 'Si' when the previous sentence contains a negative element like 'ne...pas'.
Negative Question + Si = Contradiction/Correction

Overview

The French word si is a cornerstone of the language, but its power comes from its dual identity. For a beginner, it can seem confusing that one small word can mean two completely different things: 'if' and a special kind of 'yes'. However, these two functions are entirely separate and operate in different contexts.

Understanding this distinction is a fundamental step toward speaking and understanding authentic French.

First, si serves as the primary conditional conjunction, equivalent to the English 'if'. It's the word you use to introduce a possibility, a hypothesis, or a condition upon which a result depends. This function allows you to build sentences that express plans and logical consequences, forming the backbone of hypothetical thought.

For example, Si j'ai le temps, je lis translates to 'If I have time, I read.'

Secondly, si acts as a corrective or contradictory 'yes'. It is used exclusively to disagree with a negative question or statement. While oui is the standard word for 'yes', using it to answer a negative question is often ambiguous.

Si removes all doubt, directly refuting the negative premise and asserting the positive. For instance, if someone asks, Tu n'es pas prêt ? (You aren't ready?), responding with Si means, 'On the contrary, yes I am ready.'

These two roles never overlap in a single clause. The grammatical context makes the meaning of si perfectly clear. This guide will break down each function, providing the rules and patterns you need to master this essential word from the very beginning of your French journey.

How This Grammar Works

The two meanings of si are governed by distinct linguistic principles. One is about creating logical structures (conditionality), while the other is about conversational interaction (contradiction).
Function 1: Si as a Conditional Conjunction ('If')
When si means 'if', it introduces a clause that sets a condition, known as the protasis. The main clause, which describes the result or consequence, is called the apodosis. At the A1 level, we focus on the most common and practical type of conditional sentence, which expresses a real or highly probable condition and its outcome.
This pattern connects a present condition to a future, present, or imperative result.
The fundamental rule for this structure is:
Si + [Condition in Present Tense], ... [Result in Present, Future, or Imperative]
A crucial point for English speakers is that the verb in the si-clause is always in the present tense in this construction, even if the result lies in the future. The French logic is that the condition exists in the present moment of speaking. For example, in Si tu étudies, tu réussiras (If you study, you will succeed), the condition of studying is a present possibility, leading to a future result.
The verb 'to study' (étudies) is in the present tense, not the future.
Function 2: Si as a Contradictory Affirmative ('Yes')
The function of si as 'yes' is purely responsive. It serves to cancel out a negation in a speaker's prior question or statement. Think of it as meaning, 'What you just said is negative, but the truth is positive.' It is a tool of correction and affirmation, used to resolve a misunderstanding or challenge an incorrect assumption.
Consider this exchange:
Person A: Tu n'as pas de frères ? (You don't have any brothers?)
Person B: Si, j'ai un frère. (Yes, I do have a brother.)
Here, Person A assumes a negative reality. Person B's use of si directly contradicts that assumption and re-establishes the truth. Using oui here would be grammatically awkward and confusing.
The role of si is to act as a signal that you are reversing the negative polarity of the conversation. It's a conversational pivot, emphatically stating, 'On the contrary...'.

Word Order Rules

The placement of si is rigid and depends entirely on which of its two functions you are using. Mastering this syntax is key to forming clear, grammatically correct sentences.
Word Order for Conditional Si ('If')
When introducing a condition, the si-clause can either begin the sentence or end it. The punctuation changes depending on the order.
  1. 1When the si-clause comes first, a comma is mandatory to separate it from the main clause. This structure often places emphasis on the condition.
  • Formula: Si + [Subject] + [Verb in Present]..., , [Main Clause].
  • Example: Si tu as soif, il y a de l'eau dans le frigo. (If you're thirsty, there's water in the fridge.)
  • Example: S'il fait beau demain, nous irons à la plage. (If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go to the beach.)
  1. 1When the main clause comes first, no comma is used. This creates a more fluid sentence structure and is very common in spoken French.
  • Formula: [Main Clause] + si + [Subject] + [Verb in Present]...
  • Example: Je te téléphonerai si j'ai un problème. (I will call you if I have a problem.)
  • Example: On peut manger maintenant si tout le monde a faim. (We can eat now if everyone is hungry.)
Word Order for Contradictory Si ('Yes')
When used to contradict, si is an interjection that stands at the very beginning of the response. It cannot be placed anywhere else in the sentence.
  1. 1As a standalone response. Often, si is a complete and sufficient answer on its own. It is usually spoken with a sharp, emphatic tone.
  • A: Tu ne viens pas ce soir ? (You aren't coming tonight?)
  • B: Si ! (Yes, I am!)
  1. 1Followed by a clarifying statement. To provide more information after the contradiction, the new, positive statement immediately follows si.
  • A: Il n'y a plus de dessert ? (There's no dessert left?)
  • B: Si, il reste du gâteau au chocolat. (Yes, there is some chocolate cake left.)

Formation Pattern

1
The word si itself is invariable—it does not change for gender or number. However, it is subject to one of the most important phonological rules in French: elision (the dropping of a vowel sound). For si, this rule is extremely specific.
2
The Rule of Elision for Si
3
The final vowel i in si is dropped and replaced with an apostrophe only before the pronouns il (he, it) and ils (they). This contraction is mandatory and facilitates a smoother pronunciation by avoiding a vowel clash.
4
This table outlines the mandatory contraction:
5
| Original Form | Contracted Form | Correct Pronunciation | Example Phrase | Translation |
6
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
7
| si il | s'il | /sil/ | S'il te plaît. | If you please. / Please. |
8
| si ils | s'ils | /sil/ | S'ils veulent venir... | If they want to come... |
9
The most critical part of this rule is knowing when not to elide. Unlike other words such as que (which becomes qu' before any vowel), si does not contract with elle, elles, on, or any other word beginning with a vowel. Trying to do so is a common mistake for learners.
10
Correct: si elle appelle (if she calls)
11
Incorrect: s'elle appelle
12
Correct: si on part maintenant (if we leave now)
13
Incorrect: s'on part maintenant
14
This unique behavior stems from the historical evolution of the language. Remembering this specific exception for il and ils is a sign of a careful and attentive French speaker.

When To Use It

Knowing the grammar is one thing; knowing the right social and conversational context is another. Here’s when to deploy each function of si in everyday life.
Use Conditional si ('If') to...
Make Plans and Discuss Possibilities: This is the most common use. You use it to coordinate with others or think out loud about future actions that depend on a certain condition.
  • Si on sort ce soir, on va au nouveau restaurant italien ? (If we go out tonight, shall we go to the new Italian restaurant?)
  • Je passerai chez toi plus tard s'il ne pleut pas. (I'll stop by your place later if it's not raining.)
Give Gentle Advice or Make a Suggestion: Framing advice with si makes it feel less like a command and more like a logical suggestion.
  • Si tu es stressé, tu devrais faire une pause. (If you're stressed, you should take a break.)
State a Rule or Prerequisite: This usage is common in instructions or when setting boundaries, for example with children or in a formal context.
  • Vous pouvez avoir un dessert si vous finissez vos légumes. (You can have dessert if you finish your vegetables.)
Use Contradictory si ('Yes') to...
Correct a Negative Assumption About You: This is its primary and most powerful function. Use it when someone gets something wrong about you in the negative.
  • A: Tu n'aimes pas le café ? (You don't like coffee?)
  • B: Si, j'adore ça ! (Yes, I love it!)
Politely Disagree with a Negative Opinion: It can be used to gently assert your own positive opinion against someone else's negative one.
  • A: Ce film n'était pas très intéressant. (That movie wasn't very interesting.)
  • B: Si, moi j'ai trouvé l'histoire fascinante. (Oh yes, I found the story fascinating.)
Affirm Something Emphatically: When you need to insist that something is true against doubt, a forceful Si ! is much stronger than oui.
  • A: Je suis sûr que tu n'as pas fini. (I'm sure you haven't finished.)
  • B: `Mais si ! Regarde, c'est terminé. (Oh yes I have! Look, it's done.)

Common Mistakes

As you learn to use si, you will likely encounter a few common pitfalls. Being aware of them is the first step to avoiding them.
  1. 1Using Oui to Contradict a Negative Question
This is the most frequent error. In English, 'yes' works for both positive and negative questions. In French, it creates ambiguity.
  • Question: Tu n'as pas faim ? (You aren't hungry?)
  • Ambiguous Answer: Oui. (This can be interpreted as 'Yes, you are correct, I am not hungry.')
  • Correct Answer: Si, j'ai un peu faim. (Yes, I am a little hungry.)
  1. 1Using the Future Tense After Si in a Real Conditional
This mistake comes directly from translating English sentence structure. Remember the French pattern: the condition is in the present.
  • Incorrect: *Si je serai libre, je t'appellerai.
  • Correct: Si je suis libre, je t'appellerai. (If I'm free, I will call you.)
  1. 1Incorrect Elision (or Lack Thereof)
Learners either forget to contract si before il/ils or mistakenly try to contract it before other vowels.
  • Incorrect: si il pleut or *s'elle vient
  • Correct: s'il pleut and si elle vient
  1. 1Confusing Si ('If') with Si ('So')
In certain advanced structures, si can mean 'so' (e.g., Il est si intelligent - 'He is so intelligent'). However, for general emphasis, especially at an A1 level, you should use très (very) or tellement (so/so much).
  • Awkward: Je suis si fatigué.
  • Natural: Je suis très fatigué. or Je suis tellement fatigué.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To truly master si, it helps to contrast it with other words and structures that occupy a similar semantic space.
Oui vs. Si vs. Ouais
Choosing the right 'yes' depends entirely on context and register.
| Word | Function | Register | Example Usage |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Oui | The standard, all-purpose 'yes'. | Neutral / Formal | Vous parlez anglais ? — Oui, un peu. |
| Si | The contradictory 'yes', used to rebut a negative. | Neutral / Formal | Vous ne parlez pas anglais ? — Si, un peu. |
| Ouais | The informal, casual 'yeah' or 'yep'. | Informal Only | Tu veux un verre ? — Ouais, pourquoi pas. |
Si (If) vs. Quand (When)
Both words introduce a subordinate clause, but they signal different levels of certainty. This distinction is marked by the verb tense used in the main clause.
  • Si je vois Marc... (If I see Marc...) implies it's a possibility. The outcome is conditional.
  • Quand je verrai Marc... (When I see Marc...) implies it's a certainty. It's going to happen; the only question is when. Notice that quand is followed by the future tense when referring to a future event.
This is a slightly more advanced concept, but recognizing that si implies uncertainty while quand implies certainty is a valuable insight even for beginners.

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but real-world French is messier and more interesting. Here’s how you'll see and hear si used by native speakers.

In Text Messages and on Social Media:

The doubling of si is very common for informal emphasis.

- A: t'as pas encore fini? (u not done yet?)

- B: si si c'est bon presque (yes yes it's fine almost)

Replying to a negative comment online:

- Post: "Paris isn't a friendly city at all."

- Comment: Si !! Les parisiens sont adorables si tu fais un effort. (Yes they are!! Parisians are lovely if you make an effort.)

In Casual Spoken Conversation:

As a hesitant addition at the end of a sentence:

- On pourrait prendre un café... si t'as le temps, bien sûr. (We could grab a coffee... if you have time, of course.)

As a quick, forceful rebuttal:

- A: Arrête, tu ne sais pas de quoi tu parles. (Stop, you don't know what you're talking about.)

- B: Pardon, mais si. Je connais très bien le sujet. (Excuse me, but yes I do. I know the subject very well.)

In a Professional Email:

The conditional si is a staple of formal and professional communication.

- Si vous avez la moindre question, n'hésitez pas à revenir vers moi. (If you have the slightest question, do not hesitate to get back to me.)

Quick FAQ

Can I use si to mean 'whether'?
Yes, absolutely. This is a third function, known as indirect interrogation. For example, Je ne sais pas si elle sera là means 'I don't know if/whether she will be there.' The grammar is very similar to the conditional 'if'.
Does the intonation change when I say Si ! to contradict?
Yes, dramatically. A contradictory Si ! is often spoken with a sharp, high, or falling intonation to give it assertive power. It's much more forceful than a calm oui.
What is the difference between S'il vous plaît and Si vous voulez?
S'il vous plaît is the fixed expression for 'please', literally 'if it pleases you'. It is a polite formula. Si vous voulez means 'if you want', and it is a genuine condition expressing an option, not a polite request.
Is doubling up, like si si, formal?
No, it's strictly informal. Use si si with friends in texts or casual speech to mean 'oh yeah, totally' or 'yes, yes, don't worry'. Avoid it in any formal or professional setting.
I heard si can be used in other types of conditional sentences. Is that true?
Yes. The Si + Présent pattern you are learning is for real/likely conditions. As you advance, you will learn the patterns for hypothetical situations (Si + Imparfait) and past hypotheticals (Si + Plus-que-parfait). This first pattern is the most common and the foundation for all the others.

Response Particle Usage

Question Type Particle Used Example
Positive
Oui
Tu viens ? -> Oui.
Negative
Si
Tu ne viens pas ? -> Si.
Positive
Non
Tu viens ? -> Non.
Negative
Non
Tu ne viens pas ? -> Non.

Meanings

The particle 'Si' is used exclusively to contradict a negative statement or question, effectively meaning 'Yes, on the contrary' or 'Yes, I actually do'.

1

Contradiction

Affirming a positive fact in response to a negative inquiry.

“— Tu n'as pas faim ? — Si, j'ai très faim.”

“— Tu ne parles pas français ? — Si, je parle français.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The French 'Si': Using 'If' and 'Yes' (Contradiction)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative Yes
Oui
Oui, je veux.
Contradiction Yes
Si
Si, je veux.
Negative No
Non
Non, je ne veux pas.
Question (Pos)
Est-ce que...?
Est-ce que tu manges ?
Question (Neg)
N'est-ce pas...?
Ne manges-tu pas ?
Short Answer
Particle + Subject + Verb
Si, je mange.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Si, je viendrai.

Si, je viendrai. (Responding to 'Tu ne viens pas ?')

Neutral
Si, je viens.

Si, je viens. (Responding to 'Tu ne viens pas ?')

Informal
Si, j'arrive !

Si, j'arrive ! (Responding to 'Tu ne viens pas ?')

Slang
Si, j'débarque !

Si, j'débarque ! (Responding to 'Tu ne viens pas ?')

The Yes/No Decision Tree

Question

Positive Question

  • Oui Yes
  • Non No

Negative Question

  • Si Yes (actually)
  • Non No

Oui vs Si

Oui
Tu aimes ? Do you like?
Si
Tu n'aimes pas ? Don't you like?

Choosing your response

1

Is the question negative?

YES
Use 'Si' for Yes, 'Non' for No
NO
Use 'Oui' for Yes, 'Non' for No
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Examples by Level

1

— Tu ne manges pas ? — Si, je mange.

— Aren't you eating? — Yes, I am eating.

2

— Tu n'aimes pas le chocolat ? — Si, j'adore ça !

— Don't you like chocolate? — Yes, I love it!

3

— Tu ne viens pas avec nous ? — Si, je viens.

— Aren't you coming with us? — Yes, I am coming.

4

— Tu n'as pas de voiture ? — Si, j'en ai une.

— Don't you have a car? — Yes, I have one.

1

— Vous ne connaissez pas cette chanson ? — Si, je la connais très bien.

— Don't you know this song? — Yes, I know it very well.

2

— Il ne travaille pas le samedi ? — Si, il travaille tous les samedis.

— Doesn't he work on Saturdays? — Yes, he works every Saturday.

3

— Tu n'as pas fini tes devoirs ? — Si, je les ai finis hier.

— Haven't you finished your homework? — Yes, I finished them yesterday.

4

— Elle ne veut pas venir ? — Si, elle veut venir avec nous.

— Doesn't she want to come? — Yes, she wants to come with us.

1

— Vous n'êtes pas fatigué après ce voyage ? — Si, je suis épuisé, mais je suis content.

— Aren't you tired after this trip? — Yes, I am exhausted, but I am happy.

2

— Tu n'as pas vu le film ? — Si, je l'ai vu au cinéma la semaine dernière.

— Haven't you seen the movie? — Yes, I saw it at the cinema last week.

3

— Il ne t'a pas appelé ? — Si, il m'a appelé ce matin.

— Didn't he call you? — Yes, he called me this morning.

4

— Vous ne trouvez pas que c'est cher ? — Si, c'est très cher, mais c'est de qualité.

— Don't you think it's expensive? — Yes, it's very expensive, but it's quality.

1

— Tu ne penses pas qu'il est trop tard pour partir ? — Si, mais nous n'avons pas le choix.

— Don't you think it's too late to leave? — Yes, but we have no choice.

2

— Vous n'avez pas encore reçu la lettre ? — Si, nous l'avons reçue ce matin même.

— Haven't you received the letter yet? — Yes, we received it this very morning.

3

— Elle ne s'est pas plainte de la situation ? — Si, elle a exprimé son mécontentement.

— Didn't she complain about the situation? — Yes, she expressed her dissatisfaction.

4

— Tu ne savais pas que c'était interdit ? — Si, je le savais, mais j'ai pris le risque.

— Didn't you know it was forbidden? — Yes, I knew it, but I took the risk.

1

— Vous n'êtes pas sans savoir que les règles ont changé ? — Si, j'en suis parfaitement conscient.

— You aren't unaware that the rules have changed? — Yes, I am perfectly aware of it.

2

— Il ne semble pas très enthousiaste, n'est-ce pas ? — Si, au contraire, il est très motivé.

— He doesn't seem very enthusiastic, does he? — Yes, on the contrary, he is very motivated.

3

— Vous ne craignez pas les conséquences ? — Si, je les crains, mais je dois agir.

— Don't you fear the consequences? — Yes, I fear them, but I must act.

4

— Elle n'a pas réussi à convaincre le jury ? — Si, elle a su les persuader avec brio.

— Didn't she manage to convince the jury? — Yes, she knew how to persuade them brilliantly.

1

— On ne saurait nier l'évidence, n'est-ce pas ? — Si, on peut toujours tenter de la contester.

— One cannot deny the obvious, can one? — Yes, one can always try to contest it.

2

— Il ne s'agit pas d'une simple erreur, je présume ? — Si, c'est précisément ce dont il s'agit.

— It's not just a simple error, I presume? — Yes, that is precisely what it is.

3

— Vous ne seriez pas en train de me cacher quelque chose ? — Si, je vous cache la vérité.

— You wouldn't be hiding something from me, would you? — Yes, I am hiding the truth from you.

4

— N'est-il pas vrai que tout a été dit ? — Si, mais tout n'a pas été compris.

— Isn't it true that everything has been said? — Yes, but not everything has been understood.

Easily Confused

The French 'Si': Using 'If' and 'Yes' (Contradiction) vs Si (Conditional) vs Si (Contradiction)

Learners confuse the 'if' (si) with the 'yes' (si).

The French 'Si': Using 'If' and 'Yes' (Contradiction) vs Oui vs Si

Learners use them interchangeably.

The French 'Si': Using 'If' and 'Yes' (Contradiction) vs Non vs Si

Learners don't know how to negate a negative.

Common Mistakes

✗

Tu ne viens pas ? -> Oui.

✓

Tu ne viens pas ? -> Si.

Using 'oui' for a negative question is confusing.
✗

Tu viens ? -> Si.

✓

Tu viens ? -> Oui.

Using 'si' for a positive question is incorrect.
✗

Tu ne viens pas ? -> Non.

✓

Tu ne viens pas ? -> Non.

Actually, 'non' is correct for 'no', but learners often get confused.
✗

Si, je ne viens pas.

✓

Non, je ne viens pas.

Si is only for positive contradiction.
✗

Si, je ne veux pas.

✓

Non, je ne veux pas.

Si cannot be used to confirm a negative.
✗

Tu n'as pas faim ? -> Oui.

✓

Tu n'as pas faim ? -> Si.

Standard error of using Oui for negative questions.
✗

Si, je ne sais pas.

✓

Non, je ne sais pas.

Si must be followed by a positive verb.
✗

Si, je n'ai pas pu.

✓

Non, je n'ai pas pu.

Si is for positive affirmation.
✗

Tu ne viens pas ? -> Oui, je viens.

✓

Si, je viens.

Oui is redundant/wrong here.
✗

Si, il ne fait rien.

✓

Non, il ne fait rien.

Si contradicts the negative.
✗

Si, je ne suis pas d'accord.

✓

Non, je ne suis pas d'accord.

Si is for agreement with the positive.
✗

Si, je n'ai jamais vu ça.

✓

Non, je n'ai jamais vu ça.

Si is for positive.
✗

Si, il ne viendra pas.

✓

Non, il ne viendra pas.

Si is for positive.

Sentence Patterns

Tu ne ___ pas ? — Si, je ___.

Tu n'as pas ___ ? — Si, j'en ai ___.

Vous ne ___ pas que c'est ___ ? — Si, c'est ___.

Il ne ___ pas ? — Si, il ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

— Tu ne viens pas ? — Si !

Job Interview occasional

— Vous n'avez pas d'expérience ? — Si, j'ai travaillé 2 ans.

Ordering food common

— Vous ne voulez pas de dessert ? — Si, je veux bien.

Social Media very common

— Tu n'aimes pas cette photo ? — Si, je l'adore !

Travel common

— Le train ne part pas ? — Si, il part à 10h.

Debate common

— Ce n'est pas vrai. — Si, c'est vrai !

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💡

The 'Si' Rule

Always check if the question has 'ne...pas'. If it does, use 'si' for 'yes'.
⚠️

Don't over-use

Only use 'si' when contradicting. Using it for positive questions is a common mistake.
🎯

Listen for it

Listen to native speakers in movies. You will hear 'si' used to correct people constantly.
💬

Sounding Native

Using 'si' correctly is one of the fastest ways to sound like a native speaker.

Smart Tips

Pause and think: 'Am I agreeing or contradicting?'

Tu ne viens pas ? Oui. → Tu ne viens pas ? Si !

Replace 'oui' with 'si' immediately.

Tu n'aimes pas ? Oui. → Tu n'aimes pas ? Si !

Use 'si' to forcefully correct the other person.

Ce n'est pas vrai. Oui. → Ce n'est pas vrai. Si !

If the question has 'ne...pas', use 'si'.

Tu ne veux pas ? Oui. → Tu ne veux pas ? Si !

Pronunciation

/si/

Vowel sound

The 'i' in 'si' is a high front tense vowel, similar to the 'ee' in 'see'.

Emphatic

Si ↑

Used to show strong contradiction or surprise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Si is for the 'S' in 'Stop the negativity'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a 'No' sign. You walk up, flip it over to reveal a 'Yes' sign, and shout 'Si!'

Rhyme

When the question is negative, don't say Oui, just say Si!

Story

Marie asks: 'You don't like cake?' I think: 'Wait, I do!' I shout 'Si!' and take a big bite. Marie smiles because she knew I was lying.

Word Web

SiOuiNonContradictionNégationAffirmation

Challenge

Find 3 negative questions in a French book or show and practice answering them with 'Si'.

Cultural Notes

French speakers are very precise about this. Using 'oui' instead of 'si' can lead to genuine confusion.

The usage is identical, though intonation might be slightly more melodic.

Standard French rules apply, and 'si' is used consistently in professional settings.

Derived from Latin 'sic', meaning 'thus' or 'so'.

Conversation Starters

“

Tu ne veux pas de café ?

“

Tu n'as pas vu le dernier film ?

“

Vous ne pensez pas qu'il fait froid ?

“

Tu ne savais pas que c'était fermé ?

Journal Prompts

Write about a time someone assumed you didn't like something, but you actually did.
Create a dialogue where two people disagree about a plan.
Write a short story about a detective questioning a suspect.
Explain why 'si' is important for French communication.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct response. Multiple Choice

— Tu ne viens pas ? — ____, je viens.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Si is for negative questions.
Fill in the blank.

— Tu n'aimes pas le café ? — ____, j'adore ça.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

— Tu ne travailles pas ? — Oui, je travaille.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change Oui to Si
Oui is for positive questions.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

Order: [viens / Si / je]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si je viens
Correct word order.
Match the question to the response. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Oui / 2. Si
Oui for positive, Si for negative.
Choose the correct response. Multiple Choice

— Il ne pleut pas ? — ____, il pleut beaucoup.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Fill in the blank.

— Vous n'avez pas fini ? — ____, nous avons fini.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

— Tu ne sais pas ? — Oui, je sais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change Oui to Si
Oui is for positive questions.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct response. Multiple Choice

— Tu ne viens pas ? — ____, je viens.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Si is for negative questions.
Fill in the blank.

— Tu n'aimes pas le café ? — ____, j'adore ça.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

— Tu ne travailles pas ? — Oui, je travaille.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change Oui to Si
Oui is for positive questions.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

Order: [viens / Si / je]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si je viens
Correct word order.
Match the question to the response. Match Pairs

1. Tu viens ? 2. Tu ne viens pas ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Oui / 2. Si
Oui for positive, Si for negative.
Choose the correct response. Multiple Choice

— Il ne pleut pas ? — ____, il pleut beaucoup.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Fill in the blank.

— Vous n'avez pas fini ? — ____, nous avons fini.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Contradicting a negative.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

— Tu ne sais pas ? — Oui, je sais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change Oui to Si
Oui is for positive questions.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'si'. Fill in the Blank

__ elle est là, je suis content.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Which response is correct? Multiple Choice

Friend: 'Tu n'as pas faim ?' (You aren't hungry?)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si, j'ai faim.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: S'il a le temps il vient
Translate 'If you are free, call me.' Translation

If you are free, call me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si tu es libre, appelle-moi.
Fix the elision error. Error Correction

Si ils mangent, je mange aussi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: S'ils mangent...
Match the French with its English meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si tu veux | If you want
Choose the best fit for intensity. Fill in the Blank

Cette pizza est ___ délicieuse !

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: si
Choose the correct elision. Multiple Choice

__ on part maintenant, on arrive à l'heure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
Translate 'I don't know if he is coming.' Translation

I don't know if he is coming.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je ne sais pas s'il vient.
Correct the logic. Error Correction

Q: Tu ne viens pas ? A: Oui, je viens !

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A: Si, je viens !

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, 'si' is strictly for negative questions. Use 'oui' for positive ones.

Use 'non'. 'Si' is only for 'yes'.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

No, 'si' is invariable.

Because English uses 'yes' for both positive and negative questions.

Yes, it is perfectly standard in writing.

No, 'si' as 'if' is a conjunction. 'Si' as 'yes' is a particle.

Using 'oui' when 'si' is required.

Scaffolded Practice

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4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

German high

doch

None, the function is identical.

Spanish low

sí

Spanish lacks a dedicated contradiction particle.

English low

yes

English lacks a single-word contradiction particle.

Japanese low

hai (with context)

Japanese 'hai' agrees with the negative; 'si' contradicts it.

Arabic high

bala

None, the function is identical.

Chinese low

shi de (with context)

Chinese does not have a single particle for this.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
French If-Phrases: Making Plans (Si + Present)
Next
Expressing a condition (Si...)

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