absolument
/ap.sɔ.ly.mɑ̃/
The English phrase 'absolutely' can be translated into French as absolument. Wiktionary also lists mets-en.
Meaning: yes, certainly (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| absolument | /ap.sɔ.ly.mɑ̃/ | |
| mets-en | Quebec, informal |
absolument is used to mean 'yes' or 'certainly'. It can also be used as an adverb meaning 'in an absolute manner'.
Which one should you use?
To express the specific phrase 'absolutely not', you must add pas after the word to say absolument pas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more formal and emphasize certainty, you can use the synonym Assurément. In informal contexts, you might use Carrément to mean 'absolutely' or 'totally'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the colloquial phrase mets-en is used to express strong agreement or to say 'you bet' or 'for sure'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
absolument is pronounced /ap.sɔ.ly.mɑ̃/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word absolument is built from the Latin 'absolutus', meaning 'loosened from' or 'set free', a surprising origin for a word that expresses certainty and restriction.
- In Quebec, mets-en is so common that it can be used as a one-word reaction to a statement, whereas in France, this would be completely misunderstood as a request to move an object.
- While absolument is a direct cognate of the English 'absolutely', the French word carrément carries a physical sense of 'squarely' or 'straight', which is why it is used informally to mean 'totally' or 'absolutely'.
Examples in context
- Non ! Absolument pas !No! Absolutely not!This sentence shows how to use absolument to say 'absolutely not'.Tatoeba #7839008 by sacredceltic, translation #4844480 by Ishao
- Ceci est absolument juste.He's absolutely right.This sentence shows the use of absolument to mean 'absolutely right'.Tatoeba #11958250 by Amastan, translation #8173746 by Amastan
- Il n'y est absolument pas.He is absolutely not there.This sentence shows how to use absolument to express that someone is 'absolutely not' in a certain place.Tatoeba #12651407 by anzart, translation #12651410 by anzart
- Tout à fait!Absolutely!
- Assurément, il a toutes les compétences requises.Absolutely, he has all the required skills.
- Absolument, personne d'autre ne possède son expérience.Absolutely, nobody else has his experience.
- Carrément, je me suis bien amusé!Absolutely, I had a great time!
- Grave, j'adore ce film!Absolutely, I love this movie!
- 151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing whether to go to the cinema.
- ManonTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- LucasAbsolument ! Je veux voir le nouveau film.Absolutely! I want to see the new movie.
- ManonOn prend les billets en ligne ?Shall we get the tickets online?
- LucasOui, c'est plus simple.Yes, it is simpler.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “absolutely” translations and entries absolument, mets-en, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries absolument, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
