hé
/e/
The English phrase 'oi' can be expressed in French as hé.
hé is an informal exclamation used to grab someone's attention or to express surprise.
How do you pronounce it?
/e/
Did you know?
- While it sounds like the Portuguese or English 'oi', the French hé is often perceived as much more aggressive or rude if used with a stranger. Using it might sound like you are shouting at someone rather than just calling them.
- In certain contexts, hé can be used as a 'filler' word during an argument to maintain the floor, similar to how an English speaker might use 'look' or 'listen'.
- While hé is used to shout for attention, French speakers use psst for discreet attention just as English speakers do.
Examples in context
- « Hé, qu'est-ce que tu fous, tu remontes le store ? Je dors encore ! » « Regarde l'heure. Il est dix heures passées ! »"Oi, what are you doing, pulling up the blind? I'm still asleep!" "Look at the time. It's gone ten!"This sentence shows how hé can be used to react to someone's actions while sleeping.Tatoeba #11647659 by Micsmithel, translation #11548992 by sundown
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m'aider ?Excuse me, could you help me?
- Hé, viens voir ça !Hey, come and see this!
- Hé, regarde-moi !Hey, look at me!
- Hé, tu as oublié ton sac.Hey, you forgot your bag.
Example conversation
Hugo is trying to get Emma's attention from across the room.
- HugoHé, Emma !Hey, Emma!
- EmmaOui, Hugo ?Yes, Hugo?
- HugoTu as vu mes clés ?Have you seen my keys?
- EmmaElles sont sur la table.They are on the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
