hum
/ɔm/
The French way to say 'hmm' is hum.
The expression hum is used to indicate that a person is thinking or pondering something.
Meaning: indicating thinking or pondering (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔm/
Did you know?
- A sharp, short hum can be used as a way to get someone's attention or to signal a mild warning to be quiet.
- While English speakers use 'hmm' for contemplation, the French hum can also serve as a phonetic representation of a sound of doubt or skepticism in certain contexts.
- When French speakers use hum to show suspicion, they often accompany it with a slight raising of the eyebrows or a tilt of the head.
Examples in context
- Hum.Hmm.This example shows the use of hum as a standalone thought.Tatoeba #879075 by sacredceltic, translation #6581109 by Eccles17
- Hum…Hmm…This example shows the use of hum with an ellipsis to indicate trailing thought.Tatoeba #936452 by marcp, translation #5264786 by pititnatole
- Hum. J'ai le sentiment que je vais me perdre, quelle que soit la route que je prenne.Hmm. I have a feeling I'm going to get lost whichever road I take.This example shows how hum can precede a statement expressing a feeling.Tatoeba #10743 by Apex, translation #65671 by sundown
- Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette proposition ?What do you think of this proposal?
- Mouais, pourquoi pas ?Hmm, yeah, maybe, why not?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a complicated map.
- ManonHum, je ne sais pas par où commencer.Hmm, I don't know where to start.
- LucasRegarde ce chemin, il semble plus court.Look at this path, it seems shorter.
- ManonHum… tu as peut-être raison, Lucas.Hmm… you might be right, Lucas.
- LucasOn y va alors !Let's go then!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
