ah oui
The English phrase 'oh yes' can be translated into French as ah oui.
Ah oui is an expression used to confirm a piece of information or to show agreement with a statement. It is frequently used as an exclamation of realization, such as when you suddenly remember something or realize a fact (for example, saying 'Oh, that's right!').
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interjection ah and the affirmative oui (yes).
Which one should you use?
While oui alone is a simple affirmation, ah oui is often used specifically to express sudden realization or the act of remembering something.
Did you know?
- The interjection ah in ah oui descends from an Old French expression used not just for realization, but also to cry 'woe'.
- Depending on the tone, saying ah oui can sometimes sound slightly sarcastic or dismissive in French, much like a skeptical 'oh, really' in English.
- If you repeat the affirmation rapidly as oui, oui, it often ceases to mean 'yes, yes' and instead functions as a rhythmic filler like 'uh-huh' to signal you are listening.
Examples in context
- Ah oui !Oh, yes!This example shows the use of ah oui as a simple exclamation.Tatoeba #7477584 by Micsmithel, translation #9264418 by ebel
- « La saison de baignade commence cette semaine, non ? » « Ah oui. Dans ce cas, il faut que j'aille m'acheter un maillot de bain. »"It's pool-season from this week, isn't it?" "Oh yes. I've gotta go and buy a swimming suit, then."This sentence demonstrates using ah oui to confirm information in a conversation.Tatoeba #11461994 by Micsmithel, translation #328638 by fcbond
- Ah oui, c'est vrai.Oh yes, that's right.This sentence shows how ah oui can be used to confirm that something is true.Tatoeba #7556800 by Adelpa, translation #3237219 by al_ex_an_der
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are talking about a movie they saw.
- GabrielC'était un film incroyable, n'est-ce pas ?It was an incredible movie, wasn't it?
- ChloéAh oui, j'ai adoré l'histoire.Oh yes, I loved the story.
- GabrielL'acteur principal était vraiment très bon.The lead actor was really very good.
- ChloéJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ah, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
