oui, madame
In French, oui, madame is used to say yes ma'am.
This phrase is a polite way to say yes when speaking to a woman. While a simple oui is used with friends, oui, madame is more common in formal service settings or when addressing a woman of higher social standing.
Which one should you use?
If you are addressing a man instead of a woman, use oui, monsieur instead of oui, madame.
Did you know?
- The word oui belongs to a linguistic family that includes the Occitan word òc, which is used in Southern France and is the root of the word 'Occitan' itself.
- While madame is the standard for 'ma'am', it is now commonly used for any adult woman regardless of her marital status, whereas it once strictly implied a married woman.
- In some French regions, oui can be shortened to a nasalized ouais, which is equivalent to 'yeah' and is considered too casual to ever pair with madame.
Examples in context
- Oui, madame, s'il vous plaît. Je cherche des renseignements sur les visites guidées.Yes, ma'am, please. I'm looking for information about guided tours.
- Bien sûr, madame. Nous avons différentes options disponibles.Of course, ma'am. We have various options available.
- Oui, madame, j'ai compris.Yes, ma'am, I understood.
- Oui, madame, je vais le faire.Yes, ma'am, I will do it.
- C'est parfait, oui, madame.It is perfect, yes, ma'am.
Example conversation
Nathan is helping Emma with her bags at a hotel.
- NathanVoulez-vous m'aider avec ces valises ?Would you help me with these suitcases?
- EmmaOui, madame, je vous aide.Yes, ma'am, I'll help you.
- NathanC'est très gentil, merci Nathan.That is very kind, thank you Nathan.
- EmmaJe vous en prie, madame.You're welcome, ma'am.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madame, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
