One of the most versatile words in the English language, “Ok” (or “Okay!”) can be used to confirm, express agreement, signal that you are uninjured, provide constructive criticism, and even test for comprehension.
How Do You Say Okay in Spanish
If you want to say the same thing in Spanish, how do you say it?
A collection of 35 translations of “ok” into your language of choice?
It’s a long list, so strap on, because we’re in for a wild journey!
1: Ok / Okey / Okay
What follows is a complete no-brainer; therefore, let’s begin with it.
The word “ok” is one of several English phrases and idioms that have made their way into standard Spanish speech. This is especially true in Mexico.
It’s not actually a typo (although perhaps it is!), but the ‘e’ that sometimes appears in the middle of the word “okey” when you’re reading it.
Spanish:
- Mauricio – ¿Quieres ir a la boda de mi prima?
- Liz – ¡Ok, vamos!
English:
- Mauricio – Wanna go to my cousin’s wedding?
- Liz – Ok, let’s go!
2: Oki-doki – Okey-dokey
Consider the scenario in which you text a Mexican buddy about a movie outing and they reply with the following stereotypically Mexican phrase: ‘oki-doki’!
Indeed, in much of Latin America, the Spanish equivalent of “okey-dokey” is “oki-doki.”
This catchphrase has achieved such widespread use that it has been picked up by Hispanic television shows, such as the Colombian children’s programme Oki Doki.
What does it sound like when you say it?
Sounds like ‘okee-dokee’ to me, at least roughly.
3: Claro / Claro que sí – Of course
To agree with someone using the word “claro,” which means “clear,” is to imply that they find the subject matter in question to be self-evident.
Evidently, “of course” is the most accurate rendering.
4. Clarines – Of course
‘Clarines’ is a slang term for ‘claro’ or ‘of course’ used frequently in Mexico City. A ‘clarn’ is a musical instrument, specifically a ‘bugle,’ and ‘clarines’ is a collection of ‘bugles.
Spanish:
- ¿Quieres una chela?
- ¡Clarines!
English:
- Wanna have a beer?
- Of course!
5: Va – Let’s go / Ok
In addition to its more common meanings of “let’s go” and “ok,” “va” can also be used to indicate agreement with a statement.
It is often spoken in Spanish-speaking nations, but its roots may actually lie in Catalan.
Spanish:
- Guadalupe – Oye, ¿y si celebramos nuestro aniversario en Cancún?
- Clara – ¡Va! Me encanta la idea!
English:
- Guadalupe – Hey, what if we celebrate our anniversary in Cancun?
- Clara – I love the idea! Let’s go!
6: Vale – All right
The Spanish word for “okay,” “value,” is the third person present conjugation of the verb “valer,” which can express “it has worth” in English.
This expression is commonly used in Spain, but it is also common in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking nations; don’t be afraid to use it the next time you want to express agreement with someone!
Spanish:
- Irma – ¿Nos vemos en el laboratorio a las siete?
- Georgina – ¡Vale! Me parece bien.
English:
- Irma – Shall I meet you at the lab at seven?
- Georgina – All right! Sounds good.
7: Dale – All right
In formal Spanish, ‘dale’ means ‘give it,’ but in everyday speech, especially in Spain and Argentina, it simply means ‘all fine.
Spanish:
- Al finalizar una reunión
- ¡Dale! Nos vemos la próxima semana a la misma hora.
English:
- At the end of a work meeting
- All right! See you next week at the same time.
