oui ou non
The English phrase "yes or no" is translated into French as oui ou non.
The phrase oui ou non is used to demand a definitive answer when someone is being indecisive or evasive.
Did you know?
- French speakers often use si instead of oui to say 'yes' when they are contradicting a negative question, such as 'You aren't coming, are you?'
- While oui is the standard for 'yes' in French, the word òc is the equivalent term used in the Occitan language of Southern France.
- The word oui shares a distant ancestry with the Old French word oïl, which was used as an affirmative particle in the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This example shows how to ask the direct question "Yes or no?" using oui ou non.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Dis juste oui ou non !Just say yes or no.This sentence demonstrates how to use oui ou non when telling someone to be decisive.Tatoeba #3646842 by sacredceltic, translation #66672 by CK
- As-tu dit oui ou non ?Did you say yes or no?This example shows how to ask if a specific answer of oui ou non was given.Tatoeba #5206236 by davidcfres, translation #5205855 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is asking Hugo for a clear decision regarding a movie.
- ChloéTu veux venir avec nous ?Do you want to come with us?
- HugoJe ne sais pas encore.I don't know yet.
- ChloéRéponds par oui ou non, s'il te plaît.Answer with yes or no, please.
- HugoD'accord, oui !Okay, yes!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, ou, oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
