French word

ah

Pronunciation

IPA/a/

Meaning

  • interjectionah

Example

Ah, je comprends.

Ah, I understand.

Illustration for ah (ah)

More examples

Ah, je le savais.

Ah, I knew it.

Core concept

A brief spark of recognition or mild surprise that interrupts the flow of speech.

Common phrases

  • ah d'accord

    Ah, okay

  • ah c'est ça

    Ah, that's it

  • ah voilà

    Ah, there you go

Similar words

oh: A brief sound expressing mild surprise.
ah oui: A brief reply showing understanding and agreement.
ah bon: A brief reply expressing surprise.
tiens: A brief sound on noticing something unexpected.

Definition in French

Exprime la prise de conscience soudaine, la compréhension d'une information ou une légère surprise, employée seule ou en tête d'une phrase.

Word origin

French ah is an expressive interjection attested in Old French and related to Latin ah, rather than a word built from a meaningful root.

Usage tips

  • French ah is usually pronounced with the open vowel /a/, while English ah often has a longer or more back vowel.

Other meanings

  • ohinterjection

Word lists with this word