oh
/o/
The English phrase "oh" is translated into French as oh.
In informal French conversations, oh is a versatile expression used to convey surprise, understanding or disappointment.
Meaning: expression of surprise (intj)
Which one should you use?
While oh expresses surprise or realization, the related sound ah is more commonly used to express understanding or a sense of relief, similar to "aha" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/o/
When do people say it?
When you hear surprising information and wish to show interest or curiosity, you can use the informal expression ah bon (Oh, really?).
Did you know?
- While oh is a simple exclamation, the phrase oh là là is often used to express annoyance or shock rather than just admiration, depending on the speaker's tone.
- In French, oh is frequently paired with dis donc to form oh dis donc, which transforms a simple expression of surprise into a way of calling someone's attention or expressing indignation.
- The word oh is onomatopoeic and shares a distant root with the Latin ō.
Examples in context
- Oh ! Sérieux ?Oh! Seriously?Tatoeba #557869 by sacredceltic, translation #816065 by afeinberg
- Oh, la ferme !Oh, shut up!This example shows how oh can precede a command to be quiet.Tatoeba #2186884 by sacredceltic, translation #2182705 by Hybrid
- Oh, il neige !Oh, it's snowing!This example shows oh being used to react to a surprising weather event.Tatoeba #3869246 by gillux, translation #3870930 by eperparfe
- Le spectacle était incroyable. Ah, quelle merveille!The show was incredible. Oh, what a marvel!
- Oh là là, je n'avais jamais vu une telle beauté!Oh my, I had never seen such beauty!
- Tu as gagné la loterie? Oh, c'est incroyable!You won the lottery? Oh, that's incredible!
- J'ai reçu une promotion! – Ah bon? Félicitations!I got promoted! – Oh, really? Congratulations!
- Il a oublié nos billets de concert. Oh purée, je suis vraiment en colère!He forgot our concert tickets. Oh my, I'm really angry!
- 219 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are looking at a gift.
- HugoRegarde ce que j'ai pour toi, Chloé.Look what I have for you, Chloé.
- ChloéOh ! C'est magnifique !Oh! It's magnificent!
- HugoTu aimes vraiment le cadeau ?Do you really like the gift?
- ChloéOui, merci beaucoup, Hugo.Yes, thank you very much, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh” translations and entries oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
