I'm curious about the grammatical usage of "yo soy"

Question

I'm new to this site and while I have had some exp with spanish the grammar is what get's me but I was curious when I say "I am" in spanish do I have to say "yo soy" or can I just say "soy" and it be the same? Also if I can just say "soy" is it applicable all the time or are there exceptions?

Welcome to Spanishdict! - rac1, Dec 11, 2013

Thank you or I guess I should say muchas gracias. - Phil89, Dec 11, 2013

Answer 1

Since the conjugations of verbs in Spanish have unique forms for the different "persons" and singular vs plural, it is not usually necessary to use a subject pronoun with the verbs. "Soy" can only mean "I am". English conjugations normally are different only in the third person singular, so subject pronouns are always necessary.

You can use "yo" with the verb to show emphasis or to add clarity with some of the conjugations.

Very good, clear answer, Noetol. - annierats, Dec 11, 2013

Nice :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 11, 2013

Answer 2

This lesson covers all three of your questions.