French word

oui

Pronunciation

IPA/wi/

Meaning

  • interjectionyes

Example

Elle a dit oui.

She said yes.

Illustration for oui (yes)

More examples

Oui bien sûr, je peux t'aider.

Yes, of course, I can help you.

Core concept

A single-word signal that agrees with what another speaker has just put forward.

Common phrases

  • oui bien sûr

    Yes, of course

  • oui d'accord

    Yes, okay

Similar words

si: A reply that affirms the opposite of a negative statement or question.
d'accord: An expression of agreement with or acceptance of an offer or proposal.
bien sûr: A strong affirmative response meaning 'of course'.

Definition in French

S'utilise pour marquer un assentiment bref à une question, une proposition ou une affirmation.

Word origin

The modern form oui comes through Old French oïl from the Latin expression hoc illud, with regular sound changes shaping the present form.

Usage tips

  • After a negative question, oui normally confirms the negative wording, while si contradicts it and gives a positive answer.

Other meanings

  • okayinterjection
  • that's rightinterjection

Opposites

  • nonnointerjection

Word lists with this word