The meaning of так точно

This is from the Russian lyrics of Spongebob Squarepants

- Вы готовы дети?
- Так точно капитан!

How does так in так точно function? Is it an intensifier of точно? I'm rather confused on the function of так.

That is a formal military phrase meaning: "Yes". The opposite would be "Никак нет."

The meaning of "так" in that phrase is "that way" and the entire phrase literary means "Exactly that way".

Hope that helps.

Here "Так точно" = "Yes, (sir)!". It's a standard affirmative answer used by military personnel. For negative answer there's a set phrase "Никак нет" (="No, (sir)")

People sometimes use them instead of "yes" and "no" in everyday life to add humor to the situation.

PS. Oops. Sorry, I was late.

You can also use "Есть!" as a military affirmative, right? (Meaning "Yes sir," not "There is".)

I'm sure I've heard that in movies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Throbert McGee

You can also use "Есть!" as a military affirmative, right? (Meaning "Yes sir," not "There is".)

I'm sure I've heard that in movies.

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it's actually even more common

There are some nuances which can cause misunderstanding (if someday Americans and Russians will fight together).
"Есть!" implies that a soldier has got an order from the commander. It sounds like "Aye aye sir!" or "Aye aye captain!".
"Так точно!" means that a soldier agrees with a commander (or other soldiers), literally it sounds like "Exactly so, sir!" but usually it's translated as "Yes, sir!". "Так точно" doesn't mean that a soldier has got a command, it's just a military version of "Yes" or "I agree".
Throbert McGee,
So, there is the difference between "Есть" and "Так точно", don't mix them up.

To be brief:

Есть! - Your order is accepted.
Так точно! - The answer to your question is "Yes".

Wow! Fascinating info.