tiens tiens tiens
The English phrase "well well well" is expressed in French as tiens tiens tiens.
The expression is used to convey surprise or curiosity upon discovering something unexpected. Repeating the interjection three times serves to emphasize a feeling of suspicion, a sudden realization or a sense of mock-seriousness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal expression that is typically found in spoken conversation rather than in formal writing.
Did you know?
- The expression tiens is a linguistic relative of the English word 'tenacious', as both derive from the Latin word for holding fast.
- While tiens tiens tiens suggests suspicion, a single tiens is often used as a friendly way to say 'here you go' when handing someone an object.
- The word tiens is actually the imperative form of the verb tenir, which means 'to hold'.
Examples in context
- Eh bien, qu'est-ce que j'aperçois là ?Well well well, what do I see here?
- Tiens donc, je ne m'y attendais pas du tout !Well well well, I didn't expect that at all!
Example conversation
Manon finds Gabriel hiding a surprise gift behind his back.
- ManonTiens tiens tiens, qu'est-ce que tu caches, Gabriel ?Well well well, what are you hiding, Gabriel?
- GabrielRien du tout, Manon !Nothing at all, Manon!
- ManonJe suis sûre que c'est pour moi.I am sure it is for me.
- GabrielD'accord, je te le montre maintenant.Alright, I will show it to you now.
