oui
/wi/
The English word 'yes' is translated into French as oui.
oui is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. It can also function as a noun referring to an answer that shows agreement. In certain contexts, it can be used as an interjection to express pleasure, joy or great excitement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While oui is the standard word for yes, si is used specifically to mean 'yes' when contradicting a negative statement or question. For expressing varying levels of agreement, you might use Tout à fait (absolutely or completely), Bien sûr (certainly or of course), Assurément (which emphasizes certainty or conviction) or Absolument (absolutely).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/wi/
Did you know?
- The word oui evolved from the Old French word oïl, which was the basis for the 'langue d'oïl' group of dialects spoken in northern France.
- In some regions of France, people may signal oui by a slight, quick upward tilt of the head or a subtle nod that is much more understated than the American style.
- In casual spoken French, oui is frequently replaced by ouais, which is the equivalent of the English 'yeah'.
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This sentence shows how to use oui in a choice between two options.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit oui.He said yes.This sentence uses oui as a noun to describe what was said.Tatoeba #7528060 by Micsmithel, translation #2845863 by AlanF_US
- Eh bien oui !Well yes!This sentence uses oui as an interjection to show emphasis.Tatoeba #9025676 by Micsmithel, translation #8856267 by moxy
- 559 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are deciding whether to go to the cinema.
- NathanTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- EmmaOui, j'aimerais beaucoup.Yes, I would love to.
- NathanOn y va ensemble ?Shall we go together?
- EmmaOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries oui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
