So much of human communication is non-verbal that you might say body language is the most widely used language of them all.
Not all gestures are universal, though. French gestures and greetings are still going to look different than Spanish, Italian, or English ones. Since the meaning of gestures changes depending on your environment, it’s essential to learn both positive and negative gestures when you’re learning French.
When you speak to a French person for the first time, you might understand when they roll their eyes, but do you know what it means when they twist their fist in front of their nose? If you don’t, it’s time to learn some of the most common French gestes (gestures).
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1. Too much to drink
If you find yourself in a French bar or enjoying a French apéro (pre-dinner drink, short for apéritif) with someone who has had a few too many glasses of vin rouge (red wine), you might see someone making a specific gesture in their direction. The gesture for ivre (drunk) is when someone puts their fist in front of their nose and twists it to the left as if they are revving the engine on a motorcycle.
There is also a French idiom, avoir une verre dans le nez (to have a glass in the nose), that can express the same meaning.
2. I’ve had it ‘up to here’
A gesture of exasperation, this is one that tells you someone is frustrated, annoyed, or angry. When French people want to show that they’ve “had it up to here,” they move their hand over their head from front to back. Many American English speakers would use this gesture to show that something went “right over their heads,” meaning they didn’t understand something at all. Be sure not to mix this one up.
J’en ai par-dessus la tête de tes excuses ! = I’ve had it up to here with your excuses.
3. Irritated or angry
This somewhat impolite French hand gesture comes from the phrase avoir les boules, which literally means “to have balls.” When someone’s feeling this irritated, they’re so upset that it’s as though their boules are at their neck. To use this gesture, a person curves their hands as though holding a ball in each and puts them right up under their chin.
This one is fairly informal, so take care to use it only with the appropriate audience. If it’s not a tu vs vous situation, consider expressing yourself in words instead.
Je suis très énervé. = I’m really annoyed.
4. So there./Take that.
A French hand gesture that can sometimes be accompanied by a bit of sarcasm, or the phrase et toc ! (So there!), this thumb flick away from the chin can indicate a small self-satisfied victory.
Imagine during game night, you’re certain of a word’s meaning, but your friend makes you look it up on Frenchdictionary.com. Finding that you were right, you put your thumb under your chin and then flick it out towards them.
5. Bof (I don’t know)
The French have a straightforward way to say je ne sais pas (I don’t know). A simple shrug might get this point across, or a French person might purse their lips and push a tiny bit of air out of their mouth to make a “p” sound. You’ll especially notice this one if you’re around sassy teenagers. It definitely isn’t something you would do to your boss or a stranger.
This gesture, known as the “gallic shrug,” can go even further with palms facing up and a wrinkled nose. Depending on the context, it could mean:
- I don’t know.
- I don’t care.
- Not my problem.
- I’m not convinced.
Whether you’re talking about not “knowing” with savoir or connaître, practice with a partner or one of Rosetta Stone’s expert tutors to really get the full range of what a shrug and a bof can communicate.
6. So annoying.
This French gesture accompanies the phrase quelle barbe ! (What a beard!). In everyday communication, it means that something is annoying, boring, or irritating. You’ll make this gesture by turning your palm around toward your cheek and moving it from side to side.
7. Hello
In the US, you’ll usually greet someone with a little wave, a hug, or a handshake. To say “Hello” in France, la bise (the kiss) rules the realm of greetings. Depending on where you are in France, who you do la bise with, how many kisses you give, and which cheek you start on may differ. This can be super confusing, but don’t worry, because the French person will usually lead.
In general, la bise is done between family members of all genders, between female friends and acquaintances, female and male friends and acquaintances, and between close male friends. Men who don’t know each other well tend to shake each other’s hands. The French also do a little wave to greet a larger group of people.
8. Fou/folle (crazy)
In the US, to say someone or something is crazy, you may twirl an index finger next to your temple. The French hand gesture isn’t too different from this. Instead, the French simply tap the side of their head to show that someone may be a little fou/folle (crazy). This gesture can also be used to mean “stupid” and is usually accompanied by the sound “toc, toc.”
In the popular bande dessinée (comic strip) “Astérix et Obélix,” one of Obélix’s most noteworthy catch phrases is ils sont fous, ces romains, (These Romans are crazy!)
9. Let’s go
If you’ve been asking your friends to leave a party for a while, but they’re still chatting away, you might try to make this French gesture. All you do is point one hand on its side towards wherever you want to go, and then slap your other hand on top of it. This can also be used if someone ran off and you’re telling someone else where they went.
- On y va ! = Let’s go!
10. Du fric (money)
A quick way to refer to le fric (a French slang term for money, like “dough”), whether you have it or don’t, is to rub your thumb and index finger together. It might mean that something is expensive, someone is rich, or that you’re broke.
11. To have a nose
If you make a decision by going with your gut instinct and make a good judgment call, one might say you have a “nose” or a “knack” for the situation. In France, someone might tap their nose with their index finger to compliment your instinct.
12. I don’t believe you.
The expression of disbelief or distrust can come as a simple gesture of pulling down the bottom eyelid with one finger, or a French person might say Mon oeil ! (my eye).
13. Faire la moue (to pout)
When you don’t get your way and you just feel like pouting, push out your lips and show complete boredom in your eyes. This is a great facial expression to show your displeasure.
Frequently asked questions about French gestures
There are many more French hand gestures and body language that you’ll need to learn to communicate effectively.
How can I learn French gestures so I don’t misunderstand them?
Watching French movies and French TV shows on Netflix or other streaming services can be a great way to connect French gestures with the appropriate contexts.
What French gestures mean the same as English?
A few that are commonly understood in Western cultures are crossing your fingers for an expression of hopefulness and knocking on wood for good luck. It’s a good idea while you’re learning to avoid assuming that your gestures will mean the same thing in French.
What is the French equivalent of the OK symbol?
If you want to give simple agreement or approval, opt for a thumbs up or say phrases like d’accord (I agree), c’est bon (that’s good), or ça marche (that works). The hand gesture with a circle finger and thumb might be taken as “zero.”
Is the middle finger offensive in France?
Yes, showing the doigt d’honneur (“the finger of honor,” sarcastically) or “flipping the bird” is universally rude in France, though if someone is trying to truly offend, they may use the whole bras (arm) with a fast curl upward, the other hand grabbing the inside elbow.
Is it polite to wave in France?
It’s ok to wave, generally, but to be polite, be sure to go the extra step with a bonjour (hello) in most situations. Avoid frantically waving or snapping your fingers to get attention when ordering at a restaurant or shop, and instead make eye contact and offer a polite greeting.
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