allez
/a.le/
The English phrase "oh come on" can be translated into French as allez.
When used as an interjection, such as in Oh, allez !, this expression is used to express disbelief, impatience or an attempt to persuade. It can also be used to encourage someone to do something or to tell them to hurry up.
What does it mean word for word?
The word allez is the second-person plural or formal imperative form of the verb aller, which means "to go".
Which one should you use?
While allez is used to mean "come on" in the sense of encouragement or disbelief, it is also the standard way to say "go" (as in "let's go").
How do you pronounce it?
/a.le/
Did you know?
- French speakers may use allez as a way to gently soothe a child or a pet, functioning similarly to 'there there' in English.
- Even if you are speaking to a single close friend, you might still use allez to say 'come on' if you want to sound more emphatic or forceful in your persuasion.
- In some regions of France, particularly in the south, you might hear people use Allez, hop ! to encourage someone to move quickly or to signal the end of an action.
Examples in context
- Oh, allez, ne sois pas effrayé.Oh come on, don't be scared.This sentence shows how to use allez to encourage someone not to be afraid.Tatoeba #5405988 by Aiji, translation #3532127 by CK
- Oh, allez !Oh, come on!This sentence demonstrates the use of allez as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #11718814 by Aiji, translation #6207490 by sundown
- Oh, allez, je ne suis pas le genre d'homme à me comporter comme un voleur.Oh come on, I'm not the sort of man to behave like a thief.This sentence illustrates using allez to express disbelief or persuasion during an argument.Tatoeba #13724706 by carlosalberto, translation #13719996 by soridsolid
- Allons donc, cela doit être une blague !Oh come on, this must be a joke!
Example conversation
Léa is trying to get Nathan to leave the party to go dancing.
- LéaAllez, Nathan, on y va !Come on, Nathan, let's go!
- NathanJe suis trop fatigué.I am too tired.
- LéaOh allez, juste une danse !Oh come on, just one dance!
- NathanD'accord, tu as gagné.Okay, you win.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry allez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
