French word

heu

Pronunciation

IPA/ø/

Meaning

  • interjectionuh

Example

Il a dit heu avant de répondre.

He said "uh" before answering.

Illustration for heu (uh)

More examples

Heu, je réfléchis.

Um, I'm thinking.

Core concept

A brief spoken pause while the mind searches for the next words.

Common phrases

  • heu oui

    Um, yes

  • heu non

    Um, no

  • heu bon

    Um, well then

Similar words

euh: A short conversational filler used during hesitation or while searching for words.
ben: A casual brief interjection used before answering or when hesitating.

Definition in French

S'utilise pour marquer une hésitation ou gagner un court temps de réflexion avant de répondre ou de poursuivre une phrase.

Word origin

French heu continues an old interjection recorded in Old French and related to Latin heu, whose uses broadened from cries of emotion to hesitation.

Usage tips

  • French hesitation fillers are often written euh, while heu is also a recognized spelling of the same interjection.

Word lists with this word