20 French Interjections to Express Yourself Like a Native
Interjections are crucial for sounding natural in any language. In French, they add color and emotion to your speech, helping you express surprise, frustration, or excitement like a native. Let's explore 20 essential French interjections that will elevate your conversational skills.
Common Expressions of Surprise
"Oh là là!"
Not just a stereotype, French people genuinely use this to express surprise or dismay. Example: "Oh là là! J'ai oublié mon portefeuille." (Oh no! I forgot my wallet.)
"Tiens!"
Used to express mild surprise or to draw attention. Example: "Tiens! Je ne t'avais pas vu." (Oh! I didn't see you there.)
Expressing Excitement
"Génial!"
Similar to "Awesome!" in English. Example: "Tu as gagné le concours? Génial!" (You won the contest? Awesome!)
"Super!"
A versatile expression of approval or excitement. Example: "On va au cinéma ce soir? Super!" (We're going to the movies tonight? Great!)
Showing Frustration
"Zut!"
A mild expression of frustration, similar to "Darn!" Example: "Zut! J'ai raté mon bus." (Darn! I missed my bus.)
"Mince!"
Another mild expression of disappointment. Example: "Mince! Il pleut encore." (Shoot! It's raining again.)
Expressing Agreement
"D'accord!"
A simple way to say "Okay!" or "Agreed!" Example: "On se retrouve à 20h? D'accord!" (We'll meet at 8 PM? Okay!)
"Bien sûr!"
Meaning "Of course!" or "Certainly!" Example: "Tu peux m'aider? Bien sûr!" (Can you help me? Of course!)
Showing Hesitation
"Euh..."
Equivalent to "Uh..." or "Um..." in English. Example: "Que veux-tu manger? Euh... je ne sais pas." (What do you want to eat? Um... I don't know.)
"Bah..."
Used to express hesitation or indifference. Example: "Tu viens ce soir? Bah... je ne suis pas sûr." (Are you coming tonight? Well... I'm not sure.)
Expressing Disbelief
"N'importe quoi!"
Used to express disbelief or to dismiss something as nonsense. Example: "Il a dit qu'il pouvait voler? N'importe quoi!" (He said he could fly? Nonsense!)
"Sans blague!"
Equivalent to "You're kidding!" or "No way!" Example: "Tu as rencontré une célébrité? Sans blague!" (You met a celebrity? No way!)
Showing Enthusiasm
"Allez!"
Used to encourage or express enthusiasm. Example: "Allez! On y va!" (Come on! Let's go!)
"Youpi!"
An exclamation of joy, similar to "Yippee!" Example: "J'ai réussi mon examen! Youpi!" (I passed my exam! Yippee!)
Expressing Relief
"Ouf!"
Similar to "Phew!" in English. Example: "Ouf! J'ai fini mon travail à temps." (Phew! I finished my work on time.)
"Enfin!"
Expresses relief or impatience, meaning "Finally!" Example: "Enfin! Le weekend est arrivé." (Finally! The weekend has arrived.)
By incorporating these interjections into your French conversations, you'll sound more natural and expressive. Practice using them in context to truly master the art of French emotional expression.