oui mademoiselle
The English phrase "yes miss" can be translated into French as oui mademoiselle.
This phrase is used as a polite way to say yes to a young woman or an unmarried woman.
Did you know?
- In 2012, the French government officially stopped using mademoiselle on administrative forms to promote gender equality. Using it in official contexts is now discouraged because it defines a woman by her marital status.
- The word oui evolved from the Old French oïl, which was a combination of an affirmative particle and the word for 'he'.
- While 'yes miss' sounds simple in English, using mademoiselle in a professional setting in France can sometimes be seen as overly familiar or patronizing if the woman is an adult.
Examples in context
- Vous pouvez prendre en charge cette tâche?Can you take charge of this task?
- Oui, Mademoiselle.Yes, Miss.
- Tout à fait, Mademoiselle.Absolutely, Miss.
Example conversation
A waiter is taking an order from a customer.
- ChloéAvez-vous une table pour moi ?Do you have a table for me?
- NathanOui mademoiselle, suivez-moi s'il vous plaît.Yes miss, please follow me.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Nathan.Thank you very much, Nathan.
- NathanJe vous en prie, Chloé.You are welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mademoiselle, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
