oh sympa
The English phrase "oh nice" can be translated into French as oh sympa.
oh sympa is used to express that something is nice or pleasant. While oh sympa can be used as a standalone interjection, you will often hear the full sentence c'est sympa (it's nice) to convey the same meaning.
Which one should you use?
While oh sympa is typically used to react to things or situations, the word sympa is also frequently used to describe a person as being nice or friendly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
oh sympa is an informal way to express that something is nice or pleasant.
Did you know?
- The word sympa is a shortening of sympathique, but in French, sympathique does not mean you feel pity for someone as 'sympathetic' does in English.
- In some contexts, saying c'est sympa with a specific falling intonation can be used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite, similar to saying 'oh, great' in English.
- The full adjective sympathique actually shares a root with the English word 'sympathy', meaning the two words are distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- Oh, c'est formidable! Cette peinture est vraiment remarquable!Oh, that's splendid! This painting is truly remarkable!
- Oh, c'est magnifique! Félicitations!Oh, that's magnificent! Congratulations!
- Oh, c'est génial! Tu as capturé un moment incroyable!Oh, that's awesome! You captured an incredible moment!
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking about a new cafe.
- LucasTu as vu le nouveau café ?Did you see the new cafe?
- ChloéOui, il est très beau.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- LucasOh sympa !Oh nice!
- ChloéOn y va ensemble demain ?Shall we go there together tomorrow?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oh, sympa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
