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B1 interjection 10 min de lectura

oups

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oups en 30 segundos

  • Oups: French interjection for minor errors, like English 'oops!'
  • Used for small mistakes, accidents, and slight embarrassment.
  • Very informal and common in everyday spoken French.
  • Direct equivalent to English 'oops!'.
The French interjection 'oups' is a direct cognate of the English 'oops!' and serves the exact same purpose: to express a moment of minor error, a slight mishap, or a brief feeling of embarrassment. It's a spontaneous exclamation that often escapes one's lips without conscious thought when something unexpected or slightly wrong happens. Think of it as a verbal 'whoops!' or 'uh oh!' in English. You might say 'oups' when you accidentally drop something, bump into a piece of furniture, forget a minor detail, or make a small grammatical mistake in a sentence. It's a very common and informal expression, widely understood by French speakers of all ages. Its brevity and sound make it an effective and immediate way to acknowledge a small slip-up, often with a lighthearted tone. It doesn't imply a serious problem, but rather a fleeting moment of clumsiness or forgetfulness. The sound itself, with its soft 'ou' and quick 'ps', mimics the gentle surprise or the subtle 'give' of a minor accident. It's a word that bridges the gap between a thought and an action, a verbal punctuation mark for life's tiny stumbles.
Usage Context
Informal situations, acknowledging minor mistakes, expressing slight embarrassment.
Nuance
Indicates a very minor error or accident, not a serious problem.

J'ai renversé un peu de café sur ma chemise. Oups !

J'ai oublié de fermer la porte. Oups, pas grave.

The primary use of 'oups' is as a standalone interjection, often uttered immediately after the mistake occurs. It can also be integrated into a sentence, though this is less common and usually serves to emphasize the moment of error. When used alone, it functions as a complete utterance, conveying the acknowledgment of the mistake. For example, if you accidentally knock over a glass of water, you might exclaim, 'Oups!' This is the most natural and frequent way it's employed. It can also be followed by a brief comment to explain or downplay the error, such as 'Oups, j'ai trébuché' (Oops, I tripped) or 'Oups, désolé' (Oops, sorry). In some cases, it can be part of a longer sentence, often to provide context for the exclamation. For instance, 'Je pensais avoir fini, mais oups, j'ai oublié le dernier chapitre' (I thought I was finished, but oops, I forgot the last chapter). This usage is a bit more narrative. The key is that 'oups' always signals a minor inconvenience or oversight. It's rarely used for serious blunders. It's a word that softens the impact of an error, making it relatable and often eliciting a sympathetic or amused reaction. Consider the context: if you're in a formal presentation and spill coffee, 'oups' might be followed by a more serious apology. However, among friends, 'oups' is perfectly sufficient. The intonation is also important; a light, quick 'oups' suggests a minor mistake, while a more drawn-out or apologetic tone might indicate slightly more concern, though still within the realm of minor errors. The versatility lies in its simplicity and its direct link to a universal human experience: making small mistakes.
Standalone Use
Exclaimed immediately after an error, e.g., 'Oups!'
With Following Comment
'Oups, j'ai glissé.' (Oops, I slipped.)
Integrated into a Sentence
'Je voulais dire bonjour, mais oups, j'ai dit au revoir.' (I wanted to say hello, but oops, I said goodbye.)

Oups, j'ai cassé une assiette.

J'ai envoyé le mauvais fichier. Oups, pardon !

You'll hear 'oups' in virtually every informal setting where French is spoken. It's a staple in everyday conversations among friends and family. Imagine a child accidentally spilling their juice at the dinner table – 'Oups!' is the immediate, almost automatic response. In a casual workplace setting, if someone accidentally sends an email to the wrong person or spills their coffee during a break, 'oups' is likely to be heard. It's very common in spoken French, often appearing in spontaneous reactions. You'll encounter it in movies and TV shows portraying everyday life, especially in scenes involving minor domestic incidents or social faux pas. Even in online interactions, like in chat rooms or social media comments, 'oups' can be used to acknowledge a typo or a minor mistake. Think of a gamer who makes a small error in a video game; 'oups' is a natural reaction. It's also frequently used by language learners themselves when they make a small mistake, as it's a universally understood interjection. It's the sound of everyday life, the verbal shrug that accompanies life's tiny imperfections. It's not confined to any particular region or social class; it's a truly universal expression of minor error in the French-speaking world. Its presence is so pervasive that you might not even consciously notice it until you start listening for it. It's the background noise of minor mishaps, the punctuation of small stumbles. From a parent reprimanding a child for a minor mess to friends sharing a laugh over a silly mistake, 'oups' is always there. It's the verbal equivalent of a sheepish grin or a slight wince. It's the sound of humanity being imperfect, in the most charming way possible. Consider listening to French podcasts or watching French vlogs; you'll likely hear 'oups' uttered naturally by the speakers as they recount anecdotes or discuss their day, highlighting the casual and frequent nature of its use.
Everyday Conversations
Among friends, family, and colleagues during casual interactions.
Media
In films, TV shows, and online content depicting realistic situations.
Language Learning
Often used by learners to acknowledge their own minor errors.

The character accidentally dropped his keys. Oups!

In a vlog, the presenter said 'oups' after a slight mispronunciation.

While 'oups' is a very straightforward interjection, learners might make a few minor mistakes, mostly related to overusing it or using it in inappropriate contexts. One common mistake is to use 'oups' for something that is actually a more significant error. For instance, if you make a serious mistake at work that has major consequences, simply saying 'oups' would be insufficient and could be perceived as flippant or dismissive. In such cases, a more formal apology and explanation are required. Another potential pitfall is the pronunciation. While it sounds very similar to English 'oops,' some learners might struggle with the subtle French pronunciation, perhaps making it too harsh or too soft. The 'ou' sound in French is generally a pure vowel sound, similar to the 'oo' in 'moon,' and the 'ps' is light and quick. Overthinking the pronunciation is usually unnecessary, as the context and the similarity to the English word make it easily understandable, but striving for clarity is always good. Some learners might also mistakenly believe 'oups' is a formal word. This is incorrect; it is strictly informal. Using 'oups' in a formal speech or a business letter would be highly inappropriate. It's reserved for casual, spontaneous moments. Finally, learners might hesitate to use it, fearing they might misuse it. However, given its commonality and the forgiving nature of interjections, it's generally safe to use 'oups' for any minor slip-up. The risk of severe misunderstanding is very low. The key is to remember its informal nature and its scope: small, everyday mistakes. It's better to use it and be slightly off than to avoid it and sound overly hesitant. The best way to avoid mistakes is to listen to native speakers and observe when and how they use it.
Overusing for Serious Errors
Using 'oups' for major mistakes where a formal apology is needed.
Inappropriate Formality
Using 'oups' in formal settings like business meetings or official correspondence.
Pronunciation Uncertainty
Hesitation or incorrect pronunciation due to unfamiliarity with French vowel sounds.

Incorrect: Saying 'oups' after a major project failure.

Correct: Saying 'oups' after accidentally knocking over a pen.

While 'oups' is quite unique in its directness and universality for minor errors, there are other expressions in French that can convey similar sentiments, depending on the exact nuance and context. The most direct alternative, especially in very informal settings, might be 'zut'. 'Zut' is another interjection used to express annoyance or disappointment over a minor setback. It's a bit more expressive of mild frustration than 'oups', which is more about acknowledging the error itself. For instance, if you miss a bus by seconds, you might say 'Zut!' whereas if you accidentally step on someone's toe, 'Oups!' is more fitting. Another option, particularly when the error involves forgetting something, is 'Ah mince !'. 'Mince' is a mild expletive, similar to 'darn' or 'shoot' in English. It expresses a bit more regret or frustration than 'oups'. For example, 'Ah mince ! J'ai oublié mes clés.' (Darn! I forgot my keys.) In situations where you want to be slightly more formal or when the error is a bit more noticeable but still not critical, 'excusez-moi' or 'pardon' can be used, though these are direct apologies rather than exclamations of error. 'Excusez-moi' is generally used when you've inconvenienced someone, like bumping into them. 'Pardon' is a more general apology. These are less spontaneous than 'oups'. For a slightly more childish or very mild expression of error, one might hear 'patatras !', though this is less common in adult conversation and often implies something falling over or a plan going awry in a slightly dramatic, yet still minor, way. In essence, 'oups' is the go-to for a quick, light, and universally understood acknowledgment of a small mistake. Alternatives like 'zut' and 'ah mince' add shades of mild frustration or regret, while 'excusez-moi' and 'pardon' are more direct apologies. The choice depends on the desired emotional tone and the specific nature of the minor mishap.
Zut
Similar to 'darn' or 'blast'. Expresses mild annoyance or disappointment over a minor setback. More about frustration than just acknowledging the error.
Ah mince !
A mild exclamation of regret or frustration, like 'darn it!' or 'oh no!'. Implies a bit more personal disappointment.
Excusez-moi / Pardon
Direct apologies used when you have inconvenienced someone. Less spontaneous than 'oups'.
Patatras !
Less common, often implies something falling over or a minor plan going awry, sometimes with a slightly humorous or childish tone.

'Oups!' when dropping a pen. 'Zut!' when missing the last cookie.

'Ah mince!' when realizing you forgot your wallet. 'Pardon' when accidentally bumping into someone.

Dato curioso

The sound 'oups' is so universally understood that it's often used by language learners as one of their first French interjections, even before they learn more complex vocabulary. Its similarity to English makes it instantly recognizable.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ups/
US /ups/
The stress is on the single syllable.
Rima con
bus plus jus dessus dessous repus coup
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'ou' too much like the 'ou' in 'out'.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound after the 'ps'.
  • Making the 'ps' sound too harsh or aspirated.
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Ejemplos por nivel

1

Oups, j'ai renversé mon verre.

Oops, I spilled my glass.

Simple past tense (passé composé) used for a completed action.

2

Oups, j'ai oublié ton nom.

Oops, I forgot your name.

Use of 'avoir' with 'oublié' to express forgetting.

3

Oups, c'est pas la bonne porte.

Oops, this isn't the right door.

Simple negation 'ne...pas' with 'c'est'.

4

Oups, j'ai marché sur ton pied.

Oops, I stepped on your foot.

Verb 'marcher sur' (to step on) in passé composé.

5

Oups, j'ai fermé la fenêtre.

Oops, I closed the window.

Verb 'fermer' (to close) in passé composé.

6

Oups, j'ai laissé tomber mon stylo.

Oops, I dropped my pen.

Verb 'laisser tomber' (to drop) in passé composé.

7

Oups, j'ai mal compris.

Oops, I misunderstood.

Verb 'comprendre' (to understand) in passé composé.

8

Oups, j'ai oublié mon parapluie.

Oops, I forgot my umbrella.

Use of 'avoir' with 'oublié' and a direct object.

1

J'ai failli tomber, mais oups, je me suis rattrapé.

I almost fell, but oops, I caught myself.

Use of 'faillir' (to almost do something) and reflexive verb 'se rattraper'.

2

Oups, j'ai écrit la mauvaise date sur le document.

Oops, I wrote the wrong date on the document.

Verb 'écrire' (to write) in passé composé.

3

Oups, j'ai oublié de te dire bonjour ce matin.

Oops, I forgot to say good morning to you this morning.

Infinitive 'dire' used after 'oublier de'.

4

Oups, j'ai mis trop de sel dans la soupe.

Oops, I put too much salt in the soup.

Verb 'mettre' (to put) in passé composé.

5

Oups, je crois que j'ai laissé la lumière allumée.

Oops, I think I left the light on.

Verb 'laisser' (to leave) in passé composé.

6

Oups, j'ai confondu ton frère avec ton cousin.

Oops, I confused your brother with your cousin.

Verb 'confondre' (to confuse) in passé composé.

7

Oups, j'ai oublié de fermer le robinet.

Oops, I forgot to close the tap.

Infinitive 'fermer' used after 'oublier de'.

8

Oups, j'ai pris ta tasse par erreur.

Oops, I took your cup by mistake.

Verb 'prendre' (to take) in passé composé.

1

J'ai voulu envoyer ce message à ma mère, mais oups, je l'ai envoyé à mon patron.

I wanted to send this message to my mother, but oops, I sent it to my boss.

Use of direct object pronoun 'l'' referring to 'ce message'.

2

Oups, j'ai malencontreusement effacé le fichier important.

Oops, I unfortunately deleted the important file.

Adverb 'malencontreusement' (unfortunately) adding nuance.

3

Je pensais que c'était mardi, mais oups, c'est déjà jeudi.

I thought it was Tuesday, but oops, it's already Thursday.

Use of 'penser que' (to think that) and 'c'est' for identification.

4

Oups, j'ai oublié de mentionner un détail crucial lors de la réunion.

Oops, I forgot to mention a crucial detail during the meeting.

Verb 'mentionner' (to mention) used as an infinitive after 'oublier de'.

5

Oups, j'ai renversé mon café sur mon clavier d'ordinateur.

Oops, I spilled my coffee on my computer keyboard.

Possessive adjective 'mon' used with 'clavier'.

6

J'ai cru comprendre qu'il ne venait pas, mais oups, il est arrivé à l'heure.

I thought I understood that he wasn't coming, but oops, he arrived on time.

Verb 'croire comprendre' (to think one understood) and verb 'arriver' in passé composé.

7

Oups, j'ai envoyé l'e-mail à la mauvaise personne.

Oops, I sent the email to the wrong person.

Verb 'envoyer' (to send) in passé composé.

8

Je suis arrivé en retard parce que, oups, j'ai raté mon train.

I arrived late because, oops, I missed my train.

Verb 'rater' (to miss) in passé composé.

1

Je me suis rendu compte après coup que j'avais omis de mentionner une clause importante dans le contrat, oups.

I realized afterwards that I had omitted to mention an important clause in the contract, oops.

Use of 'après coup' (afterwards) and 'omettre' (to omit) in plus-que-parfait.

2

Il y a eu un léger malentendu lors de la présentation, et j'ai dit quelque chose qui a prêté à confusion. Oups.

There was a slight misunderstanding during the presentation, and I said something that was confusing. Oops.

Verb 'prêter à confusion' (to be confusing).

3

J'avais préparé un discours impromptu, mais au moment de le prononcer, j'ai bafouillé et dit 'oups'.

I had prepared an impromptu speech, but at the moment of giving it, I stammered and said 'oops'.

Verb 'bafouiller' (to stammer) and use of plus-que-parfait.

4

En voulant faire une bonne impression, j'ai accidentellement renversé la carafe d'eau sur l'hôte. Oups !

Trying to make a good impression, I accidentally spilled the carafe of water on the host. Oops!

Gerund 'en voulant' (in wanting/trying to) and verb 'renverser'.

5

Je me suis trompé de chemin et j'ai fini par arriver avec une heure de retard. Oups, quelle journée !

I took the wrong way and ended up arriving an hour late. Oops, what a day!

Verb 'se tromper de chemin' (to take the wrong way) and 'finir par' (to end up).

6

J'ai cru que j'avais bien rangé mes documents, mais oups, il en manquait un essentiel.

I thought I had tidied up my documents well, but oops, one essential was missing.

Verb 'ranger' (to tidy up) in plus-que-parfait and 'manquer' (to be missing).

7

Il m'est arrivé de faire des erreurs de frappe dans des e-mails importants, et j'ai dû envoyer un correctif en disant 'oups'.

I have made typos in important emails, and I had to send a correction saying 'oops'.

Use of 'il m'est arrivé de' (it happened to me that I) and 'devoir' (to have to).

8

Lors de la discussion, j'ai involontairement coupé la parole à mon interlocuteur, et j'ai murmuré 'oups'.

During the discussion, I unintentionally interrupted my interlocutor, and I murmured 'oops'.

Verb 'couper la parole' (to interrupt) and 'murmurer' (to murmur).

1

Dans un moment d'inattention, j'ai failli révéler un détail confidentiel, mais heureusement, j'ai réussi à me rattraper. Oups, la frayeur !

In a moment of inattention, I almost revealed a confidential detail, but fortunately, I managed to catch myself. Oops, what a scare!

Use of 'moment d'inattention', 'révéler', 'confidentiel', and 'fayeur'.

2

J'ai cru avoir parfaitement maîtrisé le sujet, mais lors de la session de questions-réponses, j'ai été confronté à une interrogation à laquelle je n'ai pu répondre, provoquant un 'oups' général.

I thought I had perfectly mastered the subject, but during the Q&A session, I was faced with a question I couldn't answer, causing a general 'oops'.

Verb 'maîtriser' (to master), 'se confronter à', and 'provoquer'.

3

Il m'arrive parfois, dans un élan de générosité, de promettre plus que je ne peux tenir, et de devoir ensuite murmurer un 'oups' apologétique.

It sometimes happens that, in a burst of generosity, I promise more than I can deliver, and then have to murmur an apologetic 'oops'.

Use of 'élan de générosité', 'promettre plus que je ne peux tenir', and 'apologétique'.

4

L'algorithme a eu une petite défaillance, renvoyant des résultats erronés pour quelques utilisateurs, ce qui a suscité un 'oups' interne au sein de l'équipe technique.

The algorithm had a small failure, returning erroneous results for a few users, which prompted an internal 'oops' within the technical team.

Noun 'défaillance' (failure), 'erronés' (erroneous), and 'susciter' (to prompt/arouse).

5

J'ai tenté de faire une blague pour détendre l'atmosphère, mais elle est tombée à plat, entraînant un silence gêné et un discret 'oups' de ma part.

I tried to make a joke to lighten the mood, but it fell flat, leading to an awkward silence and a discreet 'oops' from me.

Verb 'détendre l'atmosphère' (to lighten the mood), 'tomber à plat' (to fall flat), and 'discret'.

6

Dans mon empressement à terminer le rapport, j'ai omis de vérifier les sources, ce qui a conduit à une inexactitude flagrante. Oups, quelle étourderie !

In my haste to finish the report, I omitted to check the sources, which led to a glaring inaccuracy. Oops, how absent-minded!

Noun 'empressement' (haste), 'omettre', 'inexactitude flagrante' (glaring inaccuracy), and 'étourderie' (absent-mindedness).

7

J'ai eu une illumination soudaine concernant la solution au problème, mais en me précipitant pour l'écrire, j'ai gribouillé un mot incompréhensible, suivi d'un 'oups'.

I had a sudden inspiration regarding the solution to the problem, but in my haste to write it down, I scribbled an incomprehensible word, followed by an 'oops'.

Noun 'illumination' (inspiration), 'se précipiter', 'gribouiller' (to scribble), and 'incompréhensible'.

8

En voulant faire preuve d'originalité, j'ai proposé une idée qui s'est avérée être une redondance totale, d'où mon 'oups' gêné.

In wanting to show originality, I proposed an idea that turned out to be a total redundancy, hence my embarrassed 'oops'.

Verb 'faire preuve de' (to show), 's'avérer' (to turn out), 'redondance', and 'd'où' (hence).

1

Dans un accès de distraction, j'ai malencontreusement validé une transaction financière sans en avoir vérifié les détails au préalable, générant un 'oups' collectif parmi les financiers.

In a fit of distraction, I unfortunately validated a financial transaction without having verified its details beforehand, generating a collective 'oops' among the financiers.

Noun 'accès de distraction' (fit of distraction), 'au préalable' (beforehand), and 'générant'.

2

Ma tentative de subtilité sémantique a été interprétée de travers par l'auditoire, me laissant dans l'obligation de rétropédaler avec un 'oups' contrit.

My attempt at semantic subtlety was misinterpreted by the audience, leaving me obliged to backtrack with a contrite 'oops'.

Noun 'subtilité sémantique' (semantic subtlety), 'interprétée de travers' (misinterpreted), 'rétropédaler' (to backtrack), and 'contrit' (contrite).

3

J'avais méticuleusement préparé mon intervention, mais une soudaine défaillance technique a corrompu ma présentation, me forçant à improviser et à lâcher un 'oups' désabusé.

I had meticulously prepared my speech, but a sudden technical failure corrupted my presentation, forcing me to improvise and let out a disabused 'oops'.

Adverb 'méticuleusement' (meticulously), noun 'défaillance' (failure), verb 'corrompre' (to corrupt), and adjective 'désabusé' (disabused/resigned).

4

Dans un réflexe conditionné par des années d'erreurs similaires, j'ai prononcé un 'oups' anticipatif avant même que l'objet ne touche le sol.

In a reflex conditioned by years of similar errors, I uttered an anticipatory 'oops' even before the object hit the floor.

Adjective 'conditionné' (conditioned), adverb 'anticipatif' (anticipatory), and verb 'prononcer'.

5

La nuance subtile que je cherchais à véhiculer a été complètement occultée par une maladresse verbale, ne laissant d'autre recours qu'un 'oups' empreint de regret.

The subtle nuance I was trying to convey was completely obscured by a verbal clumsiness, leaving no other recourse than an 'oops' tinged with regret.

Verb 'véhiculer' (to convey), verb 'occulter' (to obscure), noun 'maladresse verbale' (verbal clumsiness), and adjective 'empreint de regret' (tinged with regret).

6

Mon affirmation péremptoire s'est révélée erronée face aux données factuelles, m'obligeant à un mea culpa murmuré, ponctué d'un 'oups'.

My peremptory assertion turned out to be erroneous in the face of factual data, obliging me to a murmured mea culpa, punctuated by an 'oops'.

Adjective 'péremptoire' (peremptory), verb 'se révéler' (to turn out), noun 'mea culpa', and verb 'ponctuer'.

7

Dans un lapsus particulièrement malheureux, j'ai confondu deux noms propres cruciaux lors d'une allocution publique, ce qui a déclenché un murmure collectif et mon propre 'oups' embarrassé.

In a particularly unfortunate slip of the tongue, I confused two crucial proper nouns during a public address, which triggered a collective murmur and my own embarrassed 'oops'.

Noun 'lapsus' (slip of the tongue), adjective 'malheureux' (unfortunate), noun 'allocution' (address), and verb 'déclencher' (to trigger).

8

L'interprétation littérale de mes propos par le médiateur a abouti à un contresens, me contraignant à clarifier avec un 'oups' qui se voulait à la fois humble et précis.

The literal interpretation of my words by the mediator led to a misunderstanding, forcing me to clarify with an 'oops' that was intended to be both humble and precise.

Noun 'contresens' (misunderstanding/opposite meaning), verb 'contraindre' (to compel), and adjective 'précis' (precise).

Colocaciones comunes

Oups, j'ai...
Oups, pardon
Oups, c'est pas...
Faire un oups
Dire oups
Oups, désolé
Oups, j'ai oublié
Petit oups
Oups, j'ai raté
Oups, quelle idée

Frases Comunes

Oups, j'ai renversé quelque chose.

— This phrase is used when you accidentally spill something. It's a common reaction to a minor spill.

J'ai fait tomber mon café sur le tapis. Oups, j'ai renversé quelque chose !

Oups, j'ai oublié de faire quelque chose.

— Used when you realize you've forgotten to do a task or an action. It acknowledges your forgetfulness.

Je suis sorti sans mes clés. Oups, j'ai oublié de faire quelque chose d'important.

Oups, ce n'est pas ce que je voulais dire.

— This is said when you realize you've expressed yourself incorrectly or said something unintended. It's a verbal correction.

J'ai dit le contraire de ce que je pensais. Oups, ce n'est pas ce que je voulais dire.

Oups, j'ai trébuché.

— Used when you stumble or trip, acknowledging the minor loss of balance.

J'ai failli tomber dans les escaliers. Oups, j'ai trébuché.

Oups, je me suis trompé.

— A general phrase for admitting you've made a mistake or error in judgment or action.

J'ai pris la mauvaise direction. Oups, je me suis trompé.

Oups, quelle étourderie !

— This phrase expresses self-reproach for being absent-minded or careless, often after a mistake.

J'ai laissé mon téléphone dans le bus. Oups, quelle étourderie !

Oups, j'ai fait une petite faute.

— Used to downplay a minor mistake, emphasizing its insignificance.

Dans mon écriture, j'ai fait une faute de frappe. Oups, j'ai fait une petite faute.

Oups, j'ai raté ça.

— Used when you miss an opportunity, an event, or a specific item.

Je n'ai pas entendu l'annonce. Oups, j'ai raté ça.

Oups, pas grave.

— Often follows 'oups' to reassure yourself or others that the mistake is not serious.

J'ai renversé un peu d'eau. Oups, pas grave, c'est juste de l'eau.

Oups, c'est pas juste.

— Used when a minor unfairness occurs, often with a slightly playful or resigned tone.

Le dernier morceau de gâteau est pour toi ? Oups, c'est pas juste !

Modismos y expresiones

"Faire un oups"

— This is not a true idiom but a descriptive phrase meaning 'to make an 'oups' sound' or 'to make a minor mistake'. It's more about the action of exclaiming 'oups' than a figurative meaning.

Quand il a renversé le sel, il a fait un petit oups.

Informal
"Un petit oups"

— Refers to a minor mistake or slip-up. It emphasizes the smallness and inconsequential nature of the error.

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'était juste un petit oups.

Informal
"Dire 'oups' et continuer"

— To acknowledge a minor mistake briefly and then move on without dwelling on it.

Il a fait une faute de grammaire, a dit 'oups' et a continué sa phrase.

Informal
"Un oups de surprise"

— While 'oups' is primarily for errors, it can sometimes be used humorously or with a slight wince to express mild surprise at something unexpected, though 'oh là là' or 'ah bon' are more common for surprise.

Quand il a vu le prix, il a lâché un 'oups' de surprise.

Informal/Humorous
"Le oups de la maladresse"

— Refers to the sound or exclamation made due to clumsiness or awkwardness.

Elle a heurté la table, provoquant le oups de la maladresse.

Informal
"Un oups involontaire"

— An 'oups' that is unintentional, emphasizing that the mistake was not deliberate.

Il a renversé le verre, un oups involontaire bien sûr.

Informal
"Le oups de l'oubli"

— Specifically refers to the exclamation made when one realizes they have forgotten something.

En arrivant à destination, elle a eu le oups de l'oubli : ses clés étaient restées à la maison.

Informal
"Un oups de gêne"

— An 'oups' uttered due to embarrassment or awkwardness caused by a minor social faux pas.

Il a raconté une blague qui n'a pas plu, provoquant un oups de gêne.

Informal
"Le oups du contresens"

— The exclamation made when one realizes they have misunderstood or been misunderstood.

Suite au contresens, il a dit 'oups' pour marquer son incompréhension.

Informal
"Un oups de rattrapage"

— An 'oups' that might precede an attempt to correct a mistake or make amends.

Il a dit une bêtise, puis un 'oups' de rattrapage avant de s'excuser.

Informal

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

Oups !
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Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine you're carrying a stack of plates, and one slips. You exclaim 'Oups!' as it falls. The sound itself mimics the gentle 'whoosh' of something falling or a small, quick mistake.

Asociación visual

Picture a cartoon character tripping over a banana peel and saying 'Oups!' with wide eyes and flailing arms.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'oups' is considered an onomatopoeic interjection, likely influenced by similar sounds in other languages expressing surprise or minor error. Its exact origin is debated, but it strongly resembles the English 'oops!' and potentially older expressions of surprise or dismay.

Significado original: Mimics a sound of slight surprise or a gentle mishap.

Indo-European (likely adopted/influenced by English)
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