oui, je le suis
The French phrase for "yes, I am" is oui, je le suis.
This phrase is a short response used to confirm that a description or identity applied to the speaker is true.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "yes, I it am", where the pronoun le represents the state or identity being confirmed.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say oui, je suis instead of oui, je le suis. However, in French, you must include the pronoun le to refer back to the predicate.
Did you know?
- The word oui emerged from an older Old French word oïl, which was originally a combination of the affirmative particle o and the word for 'he' il.
- If you are confirming a profession, such as 'I am a doctor', French speakers omit the article and simply say je suis médecin, making the confirmation oui, je le suis even more distinct from English.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que tu es courageux ? – Oui, je le suis.Are you brave? – Yes, I am.
Example conversation
Gabriel asks Léa if she is the new manager.
- LéaLéa, es-tu la nouvelle manager ?Léa, are you the new manager?
- GabrielOui, je le suis.Yes, I am.
- LéaEnchanté de vous rencontrer !Nice to meet you!
- GabrielMerci, Gabriel.Thank you, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, le, oui, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
