French word

toutefois

Pronunciation

IPA/tutəfwa/

Meaning

  • adverbhowever

Example

Je suis fatigué, toutefois je vais sortir.

I am tired; however, I am going out.

Illustration for toutefois (however)

More examples

Il a dit oui, toutefois il a changé d'avis.

He said yes; however, he changed his mind.

Core concept

A statement moves forward while a small qualification stays attached.

Similar words

pourtant: Shows that a contrary fact remains true despite expectations.
cependant: Signals a somewhat formal contrast with or exception to what came before.
néanmoins: Presents a subdued contrast or exception within the same topic, mainly in writing.

Definition in French

Indique une opposition légère ou une réserve par rapport à l'énoncé précédent, servant à nuancer une affirmation sans la contredire totalement.

Word origin

Toutefois comes from Old French tout ('all') and fois ('time'), with fois descending from Latin vicis ('turn' or 'occasion').

Usage tips

  • Toutefois is more typical of formal writing and careful speech, while mais or quand même is often more natural in casual conversation.

Word lists with this word