He said yes...

Question

What purpose does the "que" serve in the following translations:

Dijo que sí

He said yes

Dijo que no

He said no

Thanks much,

Answer 1

The que means that it is reported speech rather than a quote. A slightly different example in English would be:

He said to come here.

He said, "Come here."

He said no.

He said, "When Hell freezes over."

And in Spanish:

Dijo "Sí."

Dijo que sí.

Hmmm I almost understand. Can you give an example? - steric, Aug 25, 2011

Great explanation. - rodneyp, Aug 25, 2011