Best way to say if X as a response

Question

What is the best way to say "If I have time." in response to a question like "Do you have time?"

"Si tengo tiempo." Is what the machine translation spits out, but that seems like it could be easily be confused with "Sí tengo tiempo." or "Yes I have time." when spoken. What is the least ambiguous way to respond that cannot be readily confused with an affirmative answer?

Answer 1

What about

Sí, si tengo tiempo.

Yes, if I have time

Also you would be able to hear the difference between your 2 examples because there's likely to be a short pause between sí and tengo in Sí, tengo tiempo.

Answer 2

I recommend looking hesitant, and trailing off at the end.

Haha. Or you could start with quizás?

Answer 3

Si tengo tiempo is fine, if you were saying yes i have time, you would not likely say the si, just "tengo tiempo" or "tengo tiempo ahora". If i heard Si tengo tiempo i would automatically jump to "If i have time" However that s wierd way to answer the question "Do you have time" thats a yes or no question, If i might have time i would probably go with quizas, or tal vez

I assume the question is something like "We're out of milk, are you still planning to go shopping tonight?" when either answer would make sense. - mistermouse, Jul 25, 2011