hein
/ɛ̃/
The French word for the English "huh" is hein.
hein is used to express doubt or confusion. When used as a standalone question with rising intonation, hein? functions as a request for repetition when you didn't hear someone clearly.
Meaning: expressing doubt or confusion (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hein is highly informal and should be avoided in formal or professional settings. In formal situations, Comment ? is a formal way to ask for clarification meaning "pardon me?" or "excuse me?" and Pouvez-vous répéter ? is a polite way to ask someone to repeat something. In informal settings, Quoi ? is an informal way to express confusion similar to the English "what?"
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The word hein is actually a descendant of the Latin word hem, which was used in ancient times to grab someone's attention or express surprise.
- A parent or teacher might use hein not to ask a question, but to demand an immediate answer or to confirm that a child has obeyed an order.
- While usually a question, a falling intonation can transform hein into a warning or a threat.
Examples in context
- Tu aimes ça, hein ?You like it, huh?This example shows how to use hein to seek confirmation at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #6363525 by Aiji, translation #20389 by CK
- Hein ?Huh?This example shows how to use hein as a standalone question to express confusion.Tatoeba #2848081 by sacredceltic, translation #5837669 by xorgy
- Pourquoi en fais-tu tout un plat, hein? Ravale ton orgueil !Why are you making such a big deal out of it, huh? Just suck it up already!This example shows how hein can be used in an argumentative or emphatic context.Tatoeba #7105910 by Micsmithel, translation #4894366 by slyfin
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is explaining a difficult task to Chloé.
- GabrielIl faut d'abord redémarrer le serveur.First, you have to restart the server.
- ChloéHein ? Je n'ai pas compris.Huh? I didn't understand.
- GabrielJe dis qu'il faut redémarrer le serveur.I'm saying you have to restart the server.
- ChloéAh, d'accord, je vois.Oh, okay, I see.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “huh” translations and entries hein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
