waouh
/waw/
The English phrase "wow" can be translated into French as waouh.
waouh is an informal interjection used to express surprise or admiration, mirroring the way the English word is used.
Meaning: amazement (intj)
Which one should you use?
While waouh is the standard spelling provided, ouah is a common alternative way to write the same phonetic sound in French.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
waouh is an informal expression. If you are looking for other ways to express amazement, you might use the informal incroyable ! (when said with excitement) or the informal trop génial(e) ! (meaning "so cool!" or "awesome!"). In a more colloquial setting, you can use the phrase ça déchire ! to mean "it rocks!" or "it's awesome!"
How do you pronounce it?
/waw/
Did you know?
- The spelling ouah is often used in French literature or comics to represent the sound of a dog's bark, whereas waouh is more strictly used for the English-style interjection.
- While waouh is used for positive surprise, French speakers often use oh là là to express amazement that is negative, overwhelmed or shocked.
- While waouh expresses amazement, French speakers often use the word dis donc ! as an exclamation of surprise to achieve a similar effect.
Examples in context
- Waouh ! Talentueux !Wow! Talented!This example shows how to use waouh to express admiration for talent.Tatoeba #7801746 by theachaean, translation #6587902 by Eccles17
- Waouh ! Intéressant !Wow! Interesting!This example shows how to use waouh to express interest.Tatoeba #10134949 by Micsmithel, translation #10120010 by Suroosh
- Waouh! C'est un requin?Wow! Is that a shark?This example shows how to use waouh to express surprise at seeing something like a shark.Tatoeba #7646752 by tras, translation #7589605 by AlanF_US
- Impressionnant ! Vous avez fait un excellent travail.Impressive! You did an excellent job.
- Waouh ! J'ai hâte de le regarder.Wow! I can't wait to watch it.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a beautiful sunset at the beach.
- LucasWaouh, la vue est incroyable !Wow, the view is incredible!
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est magnifique.It's true, it's magnificent.
- LucasJe n'ai jamais rien vu de tel.I have never seen anything like it.
- ManonOn a beaucoup de chance, Lucas.We are very lucky, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry waouh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
