oui
/wi/
The English word 'yes' is oui in French.
oui is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun to mean an answer that shows agreement or acceptance. In certain contexts, it can also serve as an expression of pleasure, joy or great excitement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
The choice between oui and si depends on the type of question being answered. Use oui to answer 'yes' to a positive question or statement. However, use si when you want to answer 'yes' to a negative question or statement in order to contradict it.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/wi/
Did you know?
- In many parts of Southern France, you may hear the word oc used for 'yes' instead of oui, a remnant of the Occitan language.
- Because oui comes from a phrase meaning 'that he [says]', it carries a historical structural weight that a simple particle usually lacks.
- A common non-verbal way to say oui in France is a slight, quick upward nod or a subtle lift of the eyebrows.
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This sentence is useful for asking a 'yes or no' question using oui.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit oui.He said yes.This sentence demonstrates the use of oui as a noun meaning 'yes'.Tatoeba #7528060 by Micsmithel, translation #2845863 by AlanF_US
- Eh bien oui !Well yes!This sentence shows an emphatic use of oui.Tatoeba #9025676 by Micsmithel, translation #8856267 by moxy
- Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider?Can you help me?
- Oui, bien sûrYes, of course
- Tu viens à la fête ce soir?Are you coming to the party tonight?
- Ouais, j'arrive dans une heureYeah, I'll be there in an hour
- Tu peux pas nager aussi vite que moi!You can't swim as fast as me!
- 559 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are deciding if they should go to the cinema.
- NathanTu veux aller au cinéma ?Do you want to go to the cinema?
- ChloéOui, j'aimerais beaucoup.Yes, I would love to.
- NathanOn y va maintenant ?Shall we go now?
- ChloéOui, c'est parti !Yes, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries oui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
