n'importe quoi
/n‿ɛ̃.pɔʁ.t(ə) kwa/
The English phrase 'smh' can be expressed in French using n'importe quoi.
While n'importe quoi literally means 'anything', it is used idiomatically to express that someone is talking nonsense or acting ridiculously.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
n'importe quoi is highly informal and is commonly used in spoken French or in casual text messaging to express disbelief or annoyance.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, this phrase functions as a noun phrase or an interjection to dismiss a statement or action.
Did you know?
- While n'importe quoi is used to dismiss nonsense, it can also be used as a noun to describe a person who behaves in a disorganized or unreliable manner.
- The word quoi in this phrase shares the same Proto-Indo-European ancestor as the English word 'what', though they look different due to historical sound shifts.
- If you say C'est n'importe quoi! during a serious debate, you are not just disagreeing with the logic, but effectively calling the entire situation a joke.
Examples in context
- Ils ont augmenté les prix encore une fois. C'est n'importe quoi !They raised the prices once again. It's ridiculous!
- Il dit n'importe quoi.He is talking nonsense.
- Arrête de dire n'importe quoi !Stop talking nonsense!
- C'est n'importe quoi, ce film.This movie is ridiculous.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are watching a strange news report.
- HugoTu as vu cette nouvelle ?Did you see this news?
- EmmaOui, c'est n'importe quoi.Yes, it's ridiculous.
- HugoJe ne peux pas y croire.I can't believe it.
- EmmaHugo, c'est vraiment stupide.Hugo, it is really stupid.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry n'importe quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
