qui, moi ?
The English phrase "who, me?" is translated into French as qui, moi ?
This phrase is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone is singled out or accused.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is a literal translation where qui means "who" and moi means "me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the stressed pronoun moi rather than the subject pronoun je to express disbelief or emphasis.
Did you know?
- The word qui may have an onomatopoeic origin, potentially starting as a sound used to grab someone's attention or to express a sudden question.
- When saying qui, moi ? to express disbelief, French speakers often accompany the phrase with a slight shrug of the shoulders and a lift of the eyebrows to signal innocence.
- The stressed pronoun moi has linguistic cousins across Europe, including the Corsican mè and the Franco-Provençal mè, which all stem from the same ancient roots.
Examples in context
- Qui, moi ? Je n'ai rien fait.Who, me? I didn't do anything.
- Tu veux que je vienne ? Qui, moi ?You want me to come? Who, me?
- C'est moi qui ai cassé le vase ? Qui, moi ?Was it I who broke the vase? Who, me?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are talking about who will clean the kitchen.
- EmmaQuelqu'un doit nettoyer la cuisine.Someone needs to clean the kitchen.
- LucasC'est toi qui t'en occupes, Emma.You're the one taking care of it, Emma.
- EmmaQui, moi ?Who, me?
- LucasOui, c'est ton tour.Yes, it is your turn.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moi, qui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
