Spanish word

yo

Pronunciation

IPA/ʝo/

Meaning

  • pronounI

Example

Yo soy estudiante.

I am a student.

Illustration for yo (I)

More examples

Solo yo puedo ayudarte.

Only I can help you.

Core concept

Person pointing to chest.

Common phrases

  • yo también

    I too

  • solo yo

    only I

  • ¿y yo?

    and me?

Similar words

tú: A single familiar person being addressed in casual speech; informal address to someone close.
usted: A single person being addressed with formality and respect; polite address.
él: One male person being talked about; used when speaking about him.
nosotros: The speaker plus others, indicating a group that includes the speaker.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa como sujeto para referirse a quien habla, en primera persona del singular.

Word origin

The pronoun derives from Latin ego via Old Spanish io and jo, with the initial vowel shifting to a semivowel to produce modern yo.

Usage tips

  • Spanish verbs normally mark person, so speakers often omit the subject and use yo mainly for emphasis, contrast, or short replies.

Opposites

Word lists with this word