To say “yes” in French, you can start with oui. Since it’s probably one of the French words you’re already familiar with, you can expand your French vocabulary with other ways to agree or answer affirmatively. The more ways you can say “yes,” the more authentic your French will sound, in both formal and casual settings. So, prepare to say “yes” to unforgettable travels, inspiring conversations, delicious flavors, cultural understanding, and unlocking more confidence in your French communication skills.
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How to pronounce oui in French
As a word spelled exclusively with vowels, oui is a great example of why French pronunciation is an important focus for beginners.
- Oui. = Yes.
You can get close to the French pronunciation by thinking of the English word “we,” but to sound really French, practice forming the French vowels by closing your mouth slightly more. A speech recognition engine like Rosetta Stone’s TruAccent can help give you feedback to master this sound.
How to use ‘yes’ in French sentences
The word “yes” in French can be considered a complete sentence on its own, and is one of the most important French words in basic conversation. To show good manners, you’ll want to know how to answer questions with oui from the very first conversation.
- Oui, s’il vous plaît. = Yes, please.
- Oui, merci. = Yes, thank you.
- Oui. Je parle français. = Yes, I speak French.
It can also be a question, such as when someone asks for your help or tries to get your attention.
- Excusez-moi. = Excuse me.
- Oui ? = Yes?
How to ask and answer ‘yes-no’ questions in French
To ask une question fermée (a closed question), which is a question in French with the expected answer “yes” or “no,” you’ll likely hear the phrase est-ce que (is it that) in front of a statement. Your answer will begin with oui or its opposite non (no).
- Est-ce que vous comprenez ? = Do you understand?
- Oui, je comprends. = Yes, I understand.
- Non, je ne comprends pas. = No, I don’t understand.
- Bonjour. Est-ce que vous avez votre billet ? = Hello. Do you have your ticket?
- Oui. J’ai mon billet. = Yes, I have my ticket.
- Est-ce que le train est en retard ? = Is the train delayed?
- Non. Il est à l’heure. Il arrive à neuf heures trente. = No, it’s on time. It arrives at 9:30.
Learn alternatives to oui to sound authentically French
Now that you’ve mastered a standard, correct word for answering “yes” in French, mix it up to boost your vocabulary for when you’re chatting with a friend, making plans with a colleague, or even contradicting someone who is obviously wrong.
Ouais
Just as most people don’t answer with a perfectly enunciated “yes,” in English, but rather end up saying “yeah,” or “yea,” French speakers will commonly use ouais. It’s pronounced more like “wai” or “weh.” Give this a try with French-speaking friends in more casual speech.
- T’as faim ? = Are ya hungry?
- Ouais, j’veux manger. = Yeah, I wanna eat.
D’accord
The word d’accord is commonly translated as “ok” or “yes.” You use d’accord to express agreement.
- Est-ce que tu veux aller au restaurant ? = Do you want to go to the restaurant?
- D’accord. Retrouve-moi à huit heures. = Ok, yes. Meet me at 8:00.
Bien sûr
A caricature of a French speaker might say oui oui, meaning something like “yes yes” in French, but bien sûr (of course) is a very natural and emphatic way to say “yes” or “yes, of course.”
- Est-ce que tu vas à la plage ? = Are you going to the beach?
- Bien sûr ! Je ne dois pas aller travailler aujourd’hui. = Of course! I don’t have to go to work today.
Tout à fait
Sometimes, oui just doesn’t feel strong enough. For a very emphatic “yes” in agreement with what someone has just said, use the phrase tout à fait (absolutely).
- C’était un long voyage, n’est-ce pas ? = That was a long trip, wasn’t it?
- Tout à fait. = Absolutely.
Si
Instead of oui, you can use si for “yes” if you’re contradicting a negative statement in French. Negation in French usually uses ne… pas (not). For example, if someone says that the famous Louvre museum isn’t open, but you know that it is, use si instead of oui.
- Le musée n’est pas ouvert aujourd’hui. = The museum isn’t open today.
- Si, il est ouvert tous les jours sauf le mardi. = Yes it is, it’s open every day except Tuesday.
Other ways to translate ‘yes’ in French
If you spend time with French speakers, you’re sure to hear a variety of ways to say yes, agree, express enthusiasm, or accept an invitation.
| French | English |
| À vos ordres ! | Yes, sir! |
| accepter | to accept |
| approuver | to approve |
| Carrément ! | Sure thing!/Heck yeah! (informal) |
| C’est exact ?/C’est vrai ? | Yes? Is this true? (tagged on to a statement for confirmation). |
| dire “oui” | to say yes |
| donner son accord/être d’accord avec | to agree/to be in agreement with |
| En effet. | Indeed./You’re right. |
| Tu as raison./Vous avez raison. | Yes, you’re right. (informal/formal) |
| un pouce en haut | thumbs up (internet symbol of approval) |
| Voluntiers ! | Yes, please! (formal) |
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