ah, je vois
The English phrase "oh, I see" is translated into French as ah, je vois.
The expression ah, je vois is used to signal comprehension or to acknowledge that a piece of information has been understood.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je vois is a literal translation of "I see", where je means "I" and vois is the first-person singular present tense of voir (to see).
Which one should you use?
While ah, je vois is a direct translation, Ah, d'accord is a very common alternative used to express that you have understood or accepted a point. If you are in an informal setting, you might also use the colloquial Ah bon, je vois or the simple and informal Ok, compris.
Did you know?
- While 'I see' works in French, saying Je vois alone without a particle like Ah can sometimes sound overly dramatic or poetic, as if you are witnessing a vision.
- The word vois comes from the Latin vidēre, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'video' and the term 'evidence'.
- If you use Je vois in a way that suggests you are following a long explanation, you may be expected to nod your head rhythmically to signal you are still 'with' the speaker.
Examples in context
- La réunion aura lieu demain matin. / Ah, je comprends.The meeting will take place tomorrow morning. / Oh, I see.
- J'ai décidé de partir en vacances la semaine prochaine. / Ah bon, je vois.I've decided to go on vacation next week. / Oh, I see.
- On se retrouve à la bibliothèque cet après-midi. / Ok, compris.Let's meet at the library this afternoon. / Oh, I see.
- Ah, je vois ce que tu veux dire.Oh, I see what you mean.
- Ah, je vois pourquoi elle est partie.Oh, I see why she left.
- Ah, je vois, c'est donc ainsi.Oh, I see, so that's how it is.
Example conversation
Gabriel explains a simple mistake to Léa.
- GabrielLe code est ici, pas là-bas.The code is here, not there.
- LéaAh, je vois, merci Gabriel.Oh, I see, thanks Gabriel.
- GabrielDe rien, c'était un peu caché.You're welcome, it was a bit hidden.
- LéaC'est vrai, je ne l'avais pas vu.It's true, I hadn't seen it.
