oui, maître
The French phrase for "yes, master" is oui, maître.
This phrase is used as a formal or submissive way to agree with or acknowledge a command from a superior.
Which one should you use?
While maître can denote a master in a submissive or historical sense, it is also the standard term for a teacher or professor in specific academic or professional contexts, such as in the field of law.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a woman, the feminine form of the phrase uses maîtresse instead of maître, resulting in oui, maîtresse.
Did you know?
- Using maîtresse to mean 'mistress' carries a very different, often romantic or sexual, connotation in modern French than the formal maître used for a female superior.
- The word oui is derived from the Old French oïl, which likely came from the Vulgar Latin phrase hoc ille, meaning 'that he'.
- In the arts, French speakers often use the Italian loanword maestro instead of maître to describe a great conductor.
Examples in context
- Oui, maître, je ferai ce que vous demandez.Yes, master, I will do what you ask.
- Je comprends parfaitement, oui, maître.I understand perfectly, yes, master.
- Tout sera prêt à l'heure, oui, maître.Everything will be ready on time, yes, master.
Example conversation
A student is speaking to her mentor in a traditional workshop.
- ChloéVoulez-vous commencer le nettoyage maintenant ?Do you want to start the cleaning now?
- NathanOui, faites-le immédiatement.Yes, do it immediately.
- ChloéOui, maître, je m'en occupe.Yes, master, I'll handle it.
- NathanMerci, Chloé.Thank you, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maître, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
