aïe
/aj/
The French phrase for 'ow' is aïe.
aïe is an exclamation used to express sudden physical pain. When the word is repeated as aïe aïe aïe, the meaning shifts from physical pain to an expression used to convey dismay, worry or a warning, similar to saying 'oh dear' or 'oh no'.
Which one should you use?
While aïe specifically indicates physical pain, the triple repetition aïe aïe aïe is used to express concern or dismay.
How do you pronounce it?
/aj/
Did you know?
- The word aïe is spelled with a tréma, the two dots over the ï, which forces the speaker to pronounce the a and the i as two distinct sounds.
- French speakers might use aïe sarcastically when they see someone else make a mistake, effectively saying 'ouch' on their behalf.
- The expression aïe aïe aïe is frequently used by French parents as a rhythmic warning to a child who is being naughty or making a mistake. It functions more like a verbal 'tsk-tsk' than a reaction to actual pain.
Examples in context
- Aïe ! Ça fait mal !Ow! That hurts!This sentence shows how to use aïe to express that something hurts.Tatoeba #8635987 by Julien_PDC, translation #10288775 by ddnktr
- Aïe, aïe ! Je me suis mordu la langue !Ow, ow! I bit my tongue!This example shows how repeating aïe can be used when someone has an accident like biting their tongue.Tatoeba #3301686 by sacredceltic, translation #3459915 by AlanF_US
- Aïe ! Une pomme est tombée sur ma caboche.Ow! An apple fell on my bonce.This sentence demonstrates using aïe when something unexpected falls on you.Tatoeba #10068608 by lbdx, translation #10068546 by sundown
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel accidentally bumps into Emma's foot in the kitchen.
- EmmaAïe !Ow!
- GabrielOh, pardon, Emma ! Je ne t'ai pas vue.Oh, sorry, Emma! I didn't see you.
- EmmaÇa m'a fait mal.That hurt.
- GabrielJe suis désolé, est-ce que tu vas bien ?I am sorry, are you okay?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aïe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
