euh
/ø/
The English phrase "uh" translates to the French euh in French.
euh is used as a space filler or a pause during a conversation, functioning similarly to the English "uh" or "um". Other informal ways to express hesitation or introduce a pause include using ben, alors or the combination euh bah.
Meaning: space filler or pause during conversation (intj)
Which one should you use?
euh is the direct equivalent of the English filler "uh" or "um".
How do you pronounce it?
/ø/
Did you know?
- Using euh bah together can function as a way to express mild annoyance or to signal that a question is incredibly obvious.
- While English speakers often use 'um' with a closed mouth, French speakers often pronounce euh with more rounded lips, almost as if they are preparing to say 'oeuf' (egg).
- In written French, specifically in scripts or novels, euh is explicitly written out to convey a character's nervousness or hesitation to the reader.
Examples in context
- Euh… Comment ça marche ?Uh… How's that working?This sentence shows how to use euh to start a question.Tatoeba #3326 by trotter, translation #1510 by AlanF_US
- Euh… Comment ça fonctionne ?Uh…how does this work?This sentence demonstrates using euh when asking how something works.Tatoeba #1365254 by sacredceltic, translation #2164572 by irrationale
- Euh, je dois réfléchir avant de répondre.Uh, I need to think before answering.
- Euh, je ne suis pas certain de comprendre votre question.Uh, I'm not sure I understand your question.
- Euh, pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît?Uh, can you repeat that, please?
- Ben, je ne suis pas sûr de cette réponse.Uh, I'm not sure about this answer.
- Ben, il faut que j'y réfléchisse un peu plus.Uh, I need to think about it a little more.
- Euh bah, je suppose que tu as raison.Uh well, I guess you're right.
- Alors, comment dire…Uh, how to say…
- Heu, j'aurais besoin d'un peu plus de temps.Uh, I would need a bit more time.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is trying to remember a specific word during a chat with Manon.
- NathanC'était un film, euh…It was a movie, uh…
- ManonTu as oublié le titre ?Did you forget the title?
- NathanEuh, oui, un petit peu.Uh, yes, a little bit.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, Nathan.Don't worry, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uh” translations and entries euh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
