oui, en effet
The English phrase "yes indeed" is translated into French as oui, en effet.
Oui, en effet is an emphatic way to agree with a statement or to confirm that something is true. This phrase is often used in professional or written contexts to confirm a point made by a speaker or a piece of text.
Which one should you use?
While oui, en effet serves as an emphatic agreement, other terms offer different nuances. For example, Tout à fait means "quite so" or "exactly", while Effectivement translates to "indeed". In informal contexts, carrément can be translated as "totally" or "absolutely".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Oui, en effet is a more formal and polished way to agree than simply saying oui. For formal conversations, you might also use Tout à fait to mean "quite so" or "exactly" or Effectivement to mean "indeed". Conversely, in informal contexts, carrément is a way to express agreement.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking regions, an emphatic 'yes indeed' might be expressed with a single word like Si if you are contradicting a negative statement.
- While oui is the standard word for 'yes', in many regions of France people still answer questions by repeating the verb of the sentence instead of saying oui.
- Depending on the intonation, en effet can be used sarcastically to imply that something obvious has just been pointed out, similar to the English 'obviously'.
Examples in context
- Pourriez-vous terminer ce rapport aujourd'hui ? Absolument, je le ferai dès que possible.Could you finish this report today? Yes indeed, I will do it as soon as possible.
- Cette proposition est très intéressante. Tout à fait, je pense que c'est la meilleure décision à prendre.This proposal is very interesting. Yes indeed, I think it's the best decision to make.
- Les résultats de cette étude sont impressionnants. Effectivement, cela démontre l'efficacité de notre nouvelle stratégie.The results of this study are impressive. Indeed, it demonstrates the effectiveness of our new strategy.
- On va au cinéma ce soir ? Carrément ! Ça fait longtemps qu'on n'y est pas allés.Are we going to the cinema tonight? Absolutely! It's been a while since we last went.
- Tu viens à la fête samedi soir ? Bien sûr ! J'adore les fêtes.Are you coming to the party on Saturday night? Of course! I love parties.
- Est-ce que tu es d'accord avec cette décision ? Oui, tout à fait. Je pense que c'est la meilleure solution.Do you agree with this decision? Yes indeed, I think it's the best solution.
- Oui, en effet, c'est très difficile.Yes indeed, it is very difficult.
- C'est une bonne idée, oui, en effet.It is a good idea, yes indeed.
- Oui, en effet, le train est en retard.Yes indeed, the train is late.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing the weather during a walk.
- ManonIl fait très froid aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas ?It is very cold today, isn't it?
- NathanOui, en effet, il faut un gros manteau.Yes indeed, you need a big coat.
- ManonTu as raison, Nathan.You are right, Nathan.
- NathanOn rentre vite à la maison alors.Let's go home quickly then.
