ouf
/uf/
The English phrase "phew" can be translated into French as ouf. Wiktionary also lists pfou.
Meaning: Used to show relief, fatigue, or surprise (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| ouf | /uf/ |
| pfou |
This term is primarily used as an interjection to express relief after a narrow escape or a stressful situation has passed. It can also be used to show fatigue or surprise.
Which one should you use?
The form pfou is another way to express the sound. Additionally, the informal form Pfiou is used to signify relief, tiredness or surprise.
How do you pronounce it?
/uf/
Did you know?
- While it sounds like a simple sigh of relief, the word ouf is actually a piece of 'Verlan', a popular French slang where syllables are reversed. It is the reversed form of the word fou, which means 'crazy'.
- In French, the word ouf is used as an adjective to mean 'incredible' or 'amazing', particularly in the phrase un truc de ouf. This mirrors its origins from the word for 'crazy'.
- While ouf expresses relief, the variations pfou and pfiou are often used to mimic the physical sound of wind or a sudden blast of air.
Examples in context
- « Alors comment j'étais ? » « Je dirais presque trop parfait ! » « Ouf ! Ça me rassure. »"So, how was it?" "I'd say you were almost perfect." "Phew! That is reassuring."This example shows how ouf can be used to express that something is reassuring.Tatoeba #9850661 by felix63, translation #9851308 by lucasmg123
- Ouf ! Il était grand temps !Phew! That was close!This sentence uses ouf to express that a situation was close.Tatoeba #1520369 by melospawn, translation #1557998 by melospawn
- J'ai enfin terminé mon rapport, ouf !I finally finished my report, phew!
- Je viens de courir après le bus, pfiou, j'ai réussi à l'attraper !I just ran after the bus, phew, I managed to catch it!
- Ouf ! J'ai enfin terminé ce travail.Phew! I finally finished this work.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are walking home after a long hike.
- HugoC'était une montée épuisante, non ?That was an exhausting climb, wasn't it?
- ChloéOuf ! Je suis tellement contente d'être arrivée.Phew! I am so happy to have arrived.
- HugoTu as bien mérité un peu de repos.You have well deserved a bit of rest.
- ChloéOui, je vais m'asseoir un instant.Yes, I am going to sit down for a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phew” translations and entries ouf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ouf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
