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B1 interjection 10 min de lecture

Voyons

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Voyons en 30 secondes

Explication Voyons in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'voyons' as a form of the verb 'voir' (to see). You might recognize it in the sentence 'Nous voyons le chat' (We see the cat). At this stage, you should not worry too much about its use as an interjection, as it requires a grasp of tone and context that is usually developed later. However, you might hear your teacher use it when the class is being a bit noisy. If a teacher says 'Voyons, silence !', they are simply saying 'Come on, quiet please!' Just remember that the 'on' sound is nasal, like the 'on' in 'bonbon.' Do not pronounce the 's' at the end. It is a helpful word to recognize because it shows up in many classroom instructions. Even at A1, knowing that 'voyons' is related to 'seeing' will help you understand that the speaker is trying to get you to 'see' or notice something important. It is a common 'noise' in the French language that you will start to filter as you progress. Don't try to use it yourself yet; just listen for it when people are trying to get someone's attention or express a mild 'come on.' It is one of those words that makes French sound like French.

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At the A2 level, you start to move beyond the literal meaning of 'we see.' You begin to encounter 'voyons' as a way to say 'let's see' when someone is thinking. For example, if someone asks you a question and you need a moment to think, you might say 'Voyons... où ai-je mis mes clés ?' (Let's see... where did I put my keys?). This is a very useful 'filler' word that helps you sound more natural while you are searching for your vocabulary. You also start to see it used in simple commands for encouragement. If a friend is hesitant to try a new food, you might say 'Voyons, goûte, c'est bon !' (Come on, taste it, it's good!). At this level, you should practice using it as a thinking word. It gives you a few extra seconds to construct your sentences. You should also notice that it is always 'voyons,' even if you are talking to just one person. It doesn't change like other verbs in the imperative might. This makes it an easy 'plug-and-play' word for your conversations. Just remember to keep the tone light and friendly at this stage. It's a great way to bridge the gap between simple sentences and more fluid speech.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'voyons' as a tool for expressing impatience, disbelief, or reasoning. This is the level where the word truly becomes an interjection. You should be able to use it to correct someone gently or to point out something obvious. For instance, 'Voyons, tu ne peux pas porter de sandales sous la pluie !' (Come on, you can't wear sandals in the rain!). You are appealing to the other person's common sense. You will also encounter it in the common phrase 'Mais voyons !', which is a stronger way of saying 'But of course!' or 'But come on!'. At B1, you should start to pay attention to the intonation. A rising intonation often implies a question or a gentle nudge, while a falling, sharp intonation implies frustration. You should also be able to distinguish 'voyons' from 'allez.' Remember that 'voyons' is about the mind and 'allez' is about the action. This word is a key part of the 'intermediate plateau'—using it correctly helps you move away from textbook French and toward the way people actually speak in Paris, Lyon, or Montreal. It shows that you understand the social dynamics of a conversation, not just the grammar rules.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'voyons' and be able to use it in more complex social situations. You can use it to manage a conversation, to dismiss an absurd argument in a debate, or to add a layer of sophistication to your storytelling. For example, in a formal discussion, you might use it to soften a disagreement: 'Voyons, si nous regardons les chiffres, la situation est différente.' (Come on, if we look at the figures, the situation is different). Here, it acts as a rhetorical device to bring the audience over to your side. You should also be familiar with its use in literature and film, where it can signal a character's personality—perhaps someone who is a bit bossy or someone who is very logical. You should be comfortable using it with 'enfin' or 'mais' to vary your intensity. At this level, you should also be aware of regional differences, such as the frequent use of 'Voyons donc !' in Quebec. You are no longer just using the word; you are playing with its social weight. You understand that 'voyons' is an appeal to a shared 'bon sens' (common sense) that is central to French culture. It is a word of persuasion and social calibration.

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At the C1 level, you understand 'voyons' as a pragmatic marker with deep roots in French rhetorical tradition. You can analyze its function in various registers, from the highly informal 'Mais voyons, t'es fou !' to the more refined 'Voyons, cher ami, ne nous emportons pas.' You recognize how it functions as a 'shifter' that changes the frame of the conversation. You can use it subtly to indicate irony or sarcasm. For instance, saying 'Voyons...' with a long, drawn-out vowel and a specific look can communicate volumes of skepticism without saying another word. You are also aware of its historical development from the Latin 'videamus' and how it reflects the French emphasis on 'voir' (seeing) as a metaphor for 'comprendre' (understanding). You can use it in writing to create a specific voice for a narrator or character, knowing exactly how it will be perceived by a native speaker. At this level, 'voyons' is just one of many tools in your linguistic arsenal that you use with precision to navigate the complexities of French social and intellectual life. You understand that its power lies in its ability to invoke a collective perspective, even in a moment of individual disagreement.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'voyons' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You use it instinctively, with perfect timing and intonation, across all possible contexts. You can appreciate its use in classical French theater, such as the works of Molière, where 'voyons' often serves to highlight the folly of a protagonist. You can engage in high-level linguistic analysis of its role as a modal particle, comparing it to similar structures in other Romance or Germanic languages. You are sensitive to the micro-nuances of its delivery—how a slight pause after the word can change a rebuke into a moment of shared reflection. You can use it in a wide range of professional, academic, and creative contexts, knowing exactly when it will add weight to an argument and when it will provide much-needed levity. For you, 'voyons' is not just a word; it is a cultural touchstone that embodies the French spirit of logical inquiry and social cohesion. You can even use it to mimic different regional accents or social classes, demonstrating a deep, embodied knowledge of the French language in all its diversity and richness.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Voyons en 30 secondes

Voyons is a versatile French interjection meaning 'come on' or 'let's see,' used to express impatience, disbelief, or encouragement in daily conversations.
It is the frozen first-person plural imperative of 'voir' (to see), but it rarely carries a literal meaning when used as an exclamation.
The word functions as a social tool to nudge others toward logic, common sense, or a shared perspective during an interaction or debate.
It is grammatically flexible in placement but fixed in form, making it an essential 'filler' and discourse marker for intermediate French learners.

The French word voyons is a fascinating linguistic artifact that serves as a bridge between literal perception and figurative reasoning. At its core, it is the first-person plural imperative form of the verb 'voir' (to see), literally translating to 'let us see.' However, in the everyday life of a French speaker, it has evolved into a versatile interjection that functions as a discourse marker. When someone says voyons, they are rarely asking you to literally look at an object with your eyes; rather, they are asking you to 'see' reason, to 'look' at the logic of a situation, or to 'observe' the social boundaries that are being crossed. It is a tool of social calibration.

The Call to Reason: In this context, the speaker is attempting to ground the conversation. If a child is throwing a tantrum over a small issue, a parent might say 'Voyons, ce n'est pas grave' (Come on, it's not serious). Here, it acts as a stabilizing force, urging the listener to regain their composure and view the situation objectively.

Mais voyons, tu sais bien que c'est impossible !

Expressing Disbelief: When used to express disbelief, the word takes on a sharper tone. It suggests that what has just been said or done is so far outside the realm of common sense that the speaker can hardly believe it. It is equivalent to the English 'Come on!' or 'Really?' when said with a skeptical eyebrow raised. It challenges the listener to reconsider the absurdity of their statement.

Voyons ! On ne peut pas laisser la porte ouverte toute la nuit.

Encouragement and Softening: Interestingly, the word can also be used gently. When someone is hesitant or shy, a soft 'Voyons, n'aie pas peur' (Come on, don't be afraid) uses the inclusive 'we' nature of the verb form to create a sense of shared experience. It implies 'let us both look at this and see there is no danger.' This duality—ranging from sharp rebuke to gentle coaxing—is what makes it a B1 level word; you must understand the melody of the sentence to grasp the intent.

Allez, voyons, un petit effort et on y est !

Mais voyons donc, qu'est-ce que tu fais ?

Ah, voyons, ne sois pas si dur avec toi-même.

Understanding voyons is about understanding the French desire for collective rationality. It is a linguistic appeal to the 'bon sens' (common sense) that is highly valued in French discourse. By saying 'let us see,' the speaker is inviting the listener back to a shared reality.

Using voyons correctly requires an understanding of sentence architecture and prosody. Unlike a standard verb, this interjection is often 'extra-clausal,' meaning it sits outside the main grammatical structure of the sentence, usually at the very beginning or occasionally at the very end for emphasis. It acts as a tonal header, setting the mood for the information that follows.

Sentence Initial Placement: This is the most common position. By starting with 'Voyons,' you immediately signal your stance. If you are correcting someone, it pre-empts their argument. If you are encouraging them, it creates an immediate bond. Note that it is almost always followed by a comma in writing, which represents a brief pause in speech.

Voyons, Monsieur, un peu de tenue !

The 'Mais Voyons' Construction: Adding 'mais' (but) before 'voyons' significantly increases the intensity of the disbelief or impatience. It creates a sense of 'But obviously!' or 'But come on!' It is very common in debates or when someone is being particularly stubborn. This construction is a staple of colloquial French and is essential for sounding natural in conversational settings.

Mais voyons, c'est évident que ça ne marchera pas !

Interaction with Other Imperatives: 'Voyons' is frequently paired with other imperatives like 'sois' (be), 'arrête' (stop), or 'réfléchis' (think). In these pairings, 'voyons' acts as the emotional catalyst while the second verb provides the specific instruction. This creates a rhythmic 'one-two punch' in French rhetoric: first the emotional appeal, then the directive.

Voyons, sois raisonnable pour une fois.

Voyons, réfléchissez avant de répondre.

Mais enfin, voyons, qu'est-ce qui vous prend ?

When writing dialogue, the placement of voyons can change the rhythm of the character's speech. A character who uses it frequently might be seen as slightly pedantic or motherly, as they are constantly appealing to the logic of others. In literature, it is often used to show a character's internal struggle with someone else's irrationality. Mastering its placement is key to achieving a B1 level of conversational fluency.

To hear voyons in its natural habitat, you simply need to step into any space where French people are negotiating reality. It is a word of the domestic sphere, the public market, and the political arena.

The Family Dinner Table: This is perhaps the most common place. Parents use it constantly with children. 'Voyons, finis tes légumes' (Come on, finish your vegetables). It isn't just a command; it's an appeal to the child's burgeoning sense of duty. In this setting, the tone is usually firm but not necessarily angry.

Voyons les enfants, calmez-vous un peu !

The Public Square and Markets: If you are at a French market and a customer tries to bargain for a price that the vendor finds insulting, you will almost certainly hear a sharp 'Mais voyons !' The vendor is essentially saying, 'Look at the quality of this produce; your offer is illogical.' It serves as a social boundary marker in commercial interactions.

Dix euros pour tout ça ? Mais voyons, c'est donné !

Cinematic and Literary Usage: In French cinema, particularly in 'comédies de mœurs' (comedies of manners), voyons is used to highlight the absurdity of a character's behavior. It is often the 'straight man' who uses it to react to the 'funny man.' In literature, it often appears in dialogue to ground the scene in realism, as it is such a quintessential part of spoken French.

Enfin, voyons, tout le monde sait que c'est faux.

Mais voyons, je ne vous ai jamais dit cela !

Voyons, ne faites pas l'enfant.

Whether you are in a chic Parisian café or a rural village in Provence, voyons is the sound of the French mind attempting to organize the world through logic and shared observation. It is a word that transcends social class, used by the baker and the philosopher alike.

For English speakers, voyons can be a bit of a trap because its literal translation 'let us see' is rarely its actual meaning. This leads to several common pitfalls that can make your French sound awkward or confusing.

The Literal Translation Error: If you want to say 'Let's see what's on TV,' you might be tempted to just say 'Voyons la télé.' However, in this literal sense, 'Voyons' usually needs an object or a subordinate clause, like 'Voyons ce qu'il y a à la télé.' Using it as a standalone interjection in a literal context sounds strange. Remember: as an interjection, it is figurative.

Incorrect: Voyons le menu. (Sounds like you are scolding the menu).

Confusing with 'Allez': While both can mean 'Come on,' 'Allez' is more about physical or motivational movement (Go! Do it!), whereas 'Voyons' is about mental realization (See! Think!). If you use 'Voyons' to cheer on a runner in a race, they might stop and look for something they missed! Use 'Allez' for pure motivation and 'Voyons' for logical persuasion.

Correct for a race: Allez, plus vite !

Tone Deafness: Because 'voyons' can range from gentle to sharp, using it with the wrong intonation can lead to social friction. If you say it too aggressively to a superior, it can sound condescending, as if you are telling them they are being stupid. In professional settings, it is safer to use it sparingly or with a very soft, questioning tone.

Be careful: Voyons, vous vous trompez. (Can sound quite rude to a boss).

Mistake: Using voyez instead of voyons as an interjection. It's always 'voyons'.

Mistake: Forgetting the comma after voyons in written French.

Finally, avoid overusing it. Like 'well' or 'anyway' in English, it can become a verbal tic. Use it when there is a genuine need to recalibrate the conversation's logic or emotional state. If you sprinkle it into every sentence, you'll sound like a caricature of a frustrated French teacher!

French is rich with interjections that express impatience or encouragement, and choosing the right one can elevate your speaking from 'functional' to 'fluent.' While voyons is the king of logical appeals, its cousins each have their own specific flavor.

Enfin / Mais enfin: 'Enfin' literally means 'finally,' but as an interjection, it expresses a higher level of exasperation than 'voyons.' If 'voyons' is 'come on, think about it,' 'mais enfin' is 'for goodness sake, enough already!' It is used when patience has officially run out.

Allez: As discussed, 'Allez' is the word for movement. Use it to start a meeting, to encourage a child to walk, or to tell someone to 'get going.' It lacks the 'let's look at the logic' nuance of 'voyons.' It is purely energetic.

Comparison: Voyons (Think!) vs. Allez (Move!).

Écoute / Écoutez: Similar to 'voyons' (see), 'écoute' (listen) is used to grab attention before making a point. However, 'écoute' is often the prelude to a long explanation, whereas 'voyons' is often a standalone reaction to something absurd. 'Écoute' is more about the delivery of information; 'voyons' is about the reception of it.

Comparison: Voyons (Reaction) vs. Écoute (Preparation).

Allons: This is a slightly more old-fashioned or formal version of 'voyons' when used for encouragement. It sounds like 'Come now' in English. It is very gentle and often used to comfort someone who is crying or upset.

Example: Allons, ne pleure plus, tout va s'arranger.

Dis donc / Dites donc: This is used for surprise or to call someone out on something cheeky. While 'voyons' appeals to logic, 'dis donc' appeals to social etiquette or expresses genuine shock. 'Voyons, tu exagères' (Come on, you're exaggerating) vs 'Dis donc, tu exagères !' (Hey now, you're really pushing it!).

Comparison: Voyons (Logic) vs. Dis donc (Surprise/Sass).

Understanding these nuances allows you to paint with a much broader brush when speaking French. You aren't just communicating facts; you are communicating your emotional relationship with those facts and with the person you are talking to.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The shift from a literal verb to a figurative interjection happened over centuries, reflecting a common linguistic trend where verbs of perception (seeing, hearing) become verbs of understanding and eventually discourse markers.

Guide de prononciation

UK /vwa.jɔ̃/

US /vwa.jɔ̃/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though a slight emphasis often falls on the nasal 'on' in exclamations.

Rime avec

Crayon (pencil) Rayon (shelf/beam) Léon (name) Sillon (furrow) Lampion (lantern) Camion (truck) Avion (airplane) Champion (champion)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the final 's' (it should be silent).
Making the 'on' sound like 'own' in English.
Pronouncing the 'y' as a hard 'j'.
Failing to make the 'on' nasal enough.
Pronouncing it as one syllable instead of two (vwa-yons).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it usually stands alone with a comma.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of when to include the comma and the correct spelling.

Expression orale 4/5

Hard to master the various intonations (impatience vs. encouragement).

Écoute 3/5

Can be missed if spoken quickly as a filler word.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Voir Nous Allez Enfin Mais

Apprends ensuite

Tiens Alors Bon Quoi Pourtant

Avancé

Or Certes En revanche D'ailleurs Toutefois

Grammaire à connaître

The Imperative Mood

Voyons is the 'nous' form of the imperative of 'voir'.

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in voyons is a nasal vowel /ɔ̃/.

Punctuation with Interjections

Voyons is usually followed by a comma when starting a sentence.

Semi-vowels

The 'y' in voyons creates a semi-vowel sound /j/.

Frozen Forms

As an interjection, voyons does not change its ending for tu or vous.

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Exemples par niveau

Nous voyons le chat noir.

We see the black cat.

Literal use of the verb 'voir' in the present tense.

Voyons, un peu de silence.

Come on, a little silence.

Interjection used to request a change in behavior.

Voyons le livre ensemble.

Let's look at the book together.

Imperative meaning 'let's look at'.

Oh voyons, c'est facile !

Oh come on, it's easy!

Used for mild encouragement.

Voyons, où est maman ?

Let's see, where is mom?

Used as a thinking word.

Voyons, ne pleure pas.

Come on, don't cry.

Used to comfort someone.

Voyons, c'est rouge.

Look, it's red.

Literal imperative to direct attention.

Voyons, écoute la musique.

Come on, listen to the music.

Used to focus someone's attention.

Voyons... qu'est-ce que je vais manger ?

Let's see... what am I going to eat?

Used as a filler word while thinking.

Voyons, sois gentil avec ton frère.

Come on, be nice to your brother.

Used for moral guidance.

Mais voyons, c'est très simple !

But come on, it's very simple!

Adding 'mais' for emphasis.

Voyons, dépêche-toi, on est en retard.

Come on, hurry up, we're late.

Used to express mild impatience.

Voyons, ce n'est qu'un petit chien.

Come on, it's only a little dog.

Used to reassure someone.

Voyons si le magasin est ouvert.

Let's see if the store is open.

Literal 'let's see' followed by a condition.

Voyons, tu as oublié ton sac.

Come on, you forgot your bag.

Used to point out an oversight.

Voyons, un peu de courage !

Come on, a little courage!

Used for motivation.

Voyons, tu ne vas pas sortir sans manteau ?

Come on, you're not going out without a coat?

Expressing disbelief at someone's choice.

Mais voyons, tout le monde sait ça !

But come on, everyone knows that!

Appealing to common knowledge.

Voyons, sois raisonnable, on ne peut pas tout acheter.

Come on, be reasonable, we can't buy everything.

Appealing to logic and budget.

Voyons, calme-toi, ce n'est pas la fin du monde.

Come on, calm down, it's not the end of the world.

Used to de-escalate emotions.

Voyons, réfléchis avant de dire des bêtises.

Come on, think before you say silly things.

Urging mental reflection.

Voyons... je pense que nous devrions partir à dix heures.

Let's see... I think we should leave at ten o'clock.

Used to introduce a considered opinion.

Mais enfin voyons, qu'est-ce que tu racontes ?

But for goodness sake, what are you talking about?

Combining 'enfin' and 'voyons' for exasperation.

Voyons, un petit effort et c'est fini.

Come on, a small effort and it's over.

Encouraging someone to finish a task.

Voyons, Monsieur, vous exagérez un peu, non ?

Come on, Sir, you're exaggerating a bit, aren't you?

Polite but firm challenge to someone's behavior.

Mais voyons, c'est une question de bon sens !

But come on, it's a matter of common sense!

Strong appeal to shared logic.

Voyons, ne faites pas comme si vous ne saviez pas.

Come on, don't act like you didn't know.

Challenging someone's honesty or pretense.

Voyons voir ce que les résultats nous disent.

Let's see what the results tell us.

Using 'voyons voir' for analytical investigation.

Voyons, ce n'est pas le moment de baisser les bras.

Come on, this is not the time to give up.

Motivational use in a high-stakes situation.

Mais voyons donc, pourquoi n'y ai-je pas pensé plus tôt ?

But come on, why didn't I think of that sooner?

Expressing self-reproach for a logical oversight.

Voyons, soyons sérieux deux minutes.

Come on, let's be serious for two minutes.

Requesting a change in the tone of a group.

Voyons, vous ne croyez tout de même pas à ces histoires ?

Come on, you don't actually believe those stories?

Expressing skepticism about a claim.

Voyons, il serait absurde de nier l'évidence.

Come on, it would be absurd to deny the obvious.

Formal rhetorical use to establish a baseline of truth.

Mais voyons, l'enjeu est bien plus important que cela.

But come on, the stake is much more important than that.

Reframing a conversation to a higher level.

Voyons, n'est-ce pas là le cœur du problème ?

Come on, isn't that the heart of the problem?

Using a rhetorical question to guide the listener.

Voyons, si l'on suit votre raisonnement jusqu'au bout...

Come on, if we follow your reasoning to the end...

Using 'voyons' to introduce a logical critique.

Ah voyons, ne jouez pas les innocents avec moi.

Ah come on, don't play innocent with me.

Nuanced use to call out social performance.

Voyons, il y a des limites à ce que l'on peut accepter.

Come on, there are limits to what one can accept.

Establishing moral or social boundaries.

Voyons, est-ce vraiment là votre dernier mot ?

Come on, is that really your last word?

Using 'voyons' to pressure for a reconsideration.

Voyons, un peu de dignité dans la défaite.

Come on, a little dignity in defeat.

Appealing to character and social grace.

Voyons, cette analyse pèche par un manque flagrant de rigueur.

Come on, this analysis suffers from a blatant lack of rigor.

High-level academic critique using a colloquial anchor.

Mais voyons, l'ironie du sort ne vous a pas échappé ?

But come on, the irony of fate didn't escape you?

Using 'voyons' to highlight literary or situational irony.

Voyons, cessons ces simagrées et venons-en au fait.

Come on, let's stop this posturing and get to the point.

Using sophisticated vocabulary ('simagrées') with a common interjection.

Voyons, il serait vain de chercher à occulter la réalité.

Come on, it would be futile to try to obscure reality.

Formal, almost poetic use of the interjection.

Voyons, n'est-ce pas là une vision quelque peu réductrice ?

Come on, isn't that a somewhat reductive vision?

Challenging an interpretation with intellectual elegance.

Mais voyons, l'essence même de son œuvre réside ailleurs.

But come on, the very essence of his work lies elsewhere.

Refuting a shallow interpretation of art.

Voyons, nous ne sommes plus à l'époque de l'obscurantisme.

Come on, we are no longer in the age of obscurantism.

Appealing to historical progress and enlightenment.

Voyons, quelle mouche vous pique pour agir de la sorte ?

Come on, what's gotten into you to act like that?

Using a high-level idiom ('quelle mouche vous pique') with 'voyons'.

Synonymes

Allez Enfin Allons Écoute Dis donc Mais enfin S'il te plaît Franchement

Antonymes

D'accord C'est vrai Bien sûr Silence

Collocations courantes

Mais voyons

Voyons voir

Voyons donc

Voyons, voyons

Voyons un peu

Voyons ensemble

Voyons plus loin

Voyons grand

Voyons clair

Ah voyons

Phrases Courantes

Voyons, sois sérieux !

— Used to tell someone to stop joking or being silly. It is a direct appeal to gravity.

Voyons, sois sérieux, on parle de ton avenir !

Voyons, calme-toi.

— A common way to de-escalate an argument or soothe someone who is upset.

Voyons, calme-toi, on va trouver une solution.

Voyons, ce n'est rien.

— Used to minimize a problem or tell someone they shouldn't worry about a small mistake.

Tu as cassé un verre ? Voyons, ce n'est rien.

Voyons, tu exagères.

— Used to tell someone they are making a situation seem much worse than it actually is.

Dix heures de travail ? Voyons, tu exagères, tu as fait des pauses.

Voyons, réfléchis un peu.

— A slightly sharper nudge for someone to use their brain before acting or speaking.

Tu veux partir sans argent ? Voyons, réfléchis un peu.

Voyons, c'est évident.

— Used when the speaker thinks the answer to a problem is very clear to everyone.

Pourquoi il est parti ? Voyons, c'est évident, il était fâché.

Voyons, on y va ?

— Used to prompt a group to finally start moving or leave a place.

On a fini de manger. Voyons, on y va ?

Voyons, dépêche-toi !

— A common expression of impatience when someone is taking too long to get ready.

Le train part dans cinq minutes. Voyons, dépêche-toi !

Voyons, écoute-moi bien.

— Used to emphasize that what the speaker is about to say is very important.

Voyons, écoute-moi bien, c'est la dernière fois que je t'explique.

Voyons, regarde-moi.

— Used to ask for someone's full attention, often in an emotional or serious moment.

Voyons, regarde-moi quand je te parle.

Souvent confondu avec

Voyons vs Allez

Allez is for physical motivation; Voyons is for mental/logical persuasion.

Voyons vs Enfin

Enfin is for exasperation; Voyons is for reasoning (though they are often used together).

Voyons vs Voyez

Voyez is the 'vous' form of the verb, but it is not used as a standalone interjection like Voyons.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Voyons voir"

— Equivalent to 'Let's see' or 'Let's have a look.' It is used when investigating something or making a decision.

Tu as un cadeau pour moi ? Voyons voir !

Neutral

"Voyons grand"

— To think big or have ambitious plans. It encourages looking beyond small details.

Pour notre mariage, ne soyons pas timides, voyons grand !

Neutral

"Voyons les choses en face"

— To face the facts or look at reality as it is, without delusions.

Voyons les choses en face : nous avons perdu le match.

Neutral

"Voyons plus loin que le bout de son nez"

— To look beyond the immediate situation; to have foresight.

Il faut voir plus loin que le bout de son nez et penser à l'avenir.

Informal

"Voyons si j'y suis"

— Part of the expression 'allez voir si j'y suis,' which means 'go away' or 'leave me alone.'

Tu m'embêtes, va voir si j'y suis !

Informal

"Voyons cela de plus près"

— To examine something in more detail or with greater scrutiny.

Cette erreur est bizarre, voyons cela de plus près.

Neutral

"Voyons le bon côté des choses"

— To look on the bright side or find the positive in a negative situation.

On a raté le train, mais voyons le bon côté des choses : on peut prendre un café.

Neutral

"Voyons rouge"

— While 'voir rouge' means to be very angry, 'voyons' can be used to describe the onset of that anger.

Dès qu'il a mentionné l'argent, j'ai vu rouge.

Neutral

"Voyons la vie en rose"

— To see life through rose-colored glasses; to be overly optimistic.

Malgré les problèmes, elle continue de voir la vie en rose.

Neutral

"Voyons d'où vient le vent"

— To wait and see how a situation develops before making a move.

Avant de décider, attendons et voyons d'où vient le vent.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

Voyons vs Allons

Both are 'we' imperative forms used as interjections.

Allons is more for comforting or starting an action; Voyons is more for reasoning or disbelief.

Allons, ne pleure pas. vs Voyons, c'est logique !

Voyons vs Regarde

Both relate to sight.

Regarde is a literal command to look; Voyons is a figurative appeal to understand.

Regarde cet oiseau ! vs Voyons, tu sais que j'ai raison.

Voyons vs Tiens

Both are common filler words.

Tiens is for surprise or handing something over; Voyons is for reasoning or impatience.

Tiens, te voilà ! vs Voyons, dépêche-toi.

Voyons vs Dis

Both are used to grab attention.

Dis is for starting a new topic; Voyons is for reacting to an existing topic.

Dis, tu as faim ? vs Voyons, tu as déjà mangé !

Voyons vs Écoute

Both are verbs of perception used as interjections.

Écoute prepares the listener for an explanation; Voyons reacts to a lack of logic.

Écoute, c'est compliqué. vs Voyons, c'est simple !

Structures de phrases

Voyons [Noun].

Voyons le chat.

Voyons, [Imperative].

Voyons, écoute.

Mais voyons, [Statement]!

Mais voyons, c'est faux !

Voyons, [Adjective]!

Voyons, sois sérieux !

Voyons si [Clause].

Voyons si tu peux le faire.

Voyons voir [Noun].

Voyons voir les résultats.

Voyons, ne [Verb] pas [Noun].

Voyons, ne faites pas l'enfant.

Voyons, [Sophisticated Clause].

Voyons, l'enjeu dépasse nos intérêts personnels.

Famille de mots

Noms

Vue (sight)

Voyant (seer/indicator light)

Vision (vision)

Visibilité (visibility)

Verbes

Voir (to see)

Revoir (to see again)

Prévoir (to foresee)

Entrevoir (to glimpse)

Adjectifs

Visible (visible)

Visuel (visual)

Voyant (flashy/gaudy)

Prévisible (predictable)

Apparenté

Regarder (to look at)

Observer (to observe)

Paraître (to appear)

Sembler (to seem)

Apercevoir (to perceive)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in spoken French, less common in formal academic writing unless quoting dialogue.

Erreurs courantes

Voyons les clés ! → Voyons où sont les clés.
You can't use 'voyons' as a literal command for a noun without a context or a clause. It sounds like you are scolding the keys.
Voyez, c'est facile ! → Voyons, c'est facile !
Even if you are talking to a group (vous), the interjection form remains 'voyons.' 'Voyez' is only for literal seeing.
Pronouncing the 's'. → Pronounce it /vwa.jɔ̃/.
The 's' in 'voyons' is silent. Pronouncing it makes you sound like you're reading a book rather than speaking naturally.
Using it for physical motivation. → Use 'Allez !'.
If you want someone to run faster or start a task, 'Allez' is the correct word. 'Voyons' is for mental realization.
Using it in a very formal letter. → Use 'Je vous en prie' or 'Cependant'.
'Voyons' is a spoken discourse marker and is generally too informal for formal written correspondence.

Astuces

The Nasal Nudge

To sound like a native, make sure the final 'on' is fully nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth. The sound should vibrate in your nose, almost like you're humming through it while saying 'o'.

The Comma Rule

In writing, 'voyons' is almost always followed by a comma. This reflects the natural pause in speech and helps distinguish the interjection from the literal verb usage. Example: 'Voyons, c'est fini.'

Social Calibration

Use 'voyons' when you want to bring someone back to a shared reality. It's a great word for resolving small misunderstandings or gentle disagreements without being too confrontational.

Thinking Time

If you're stuck for a word in a French conversation, say 'Voyons...' slowly. It sounds much more natural than 'Ummm' and gives you a few seconds to find the right vocabulary.

The Quebec 'Donc'

If you're in Canada, add 'donc' to 'voyons' to sound like a local. 'Voyons donc !' is the go-to phrase for anything surprising, annoying, or just plain weird.

Pairing for Power

Pair 'voyons' with an adjective like 'sérieux' or 'raisonnable' to give your corrections more weight. 'Voyons, sois raisonnable' is a very common and effective phrase.

Catch the Melody

Pay attention to the 'melody' of the word. A short, sharp 'Voyons !' is a rebuke. A long, soft 'Vooooyons...' is often an attempt to comfort or coax someone.

Frozen form

Remember that even if you are talking to yourself, a child, or a group of adults, it is always 'voyons'. Never say 'vois' or 'voyez' as an interjection.

The Cartesian Word

Think of 'voyons' as the word of Descartes. It's about seeing clearly and logically. Using it shows you're tapping into that fundamental French value of rationality.

Not for Sports

Don't use 'voyons' to cheer at a sports match. Use 'Allez !' instead. If you say 'voyons' to a player, it sounds like you're criticizing their bad logic, not encouraging their speed.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Voyons' as 'View-on'. You are asking someone to keep their 'view on' the logic of the situation.

Association visuelle

Imagine a pair of glasses being handed to someone who is acting confused. You are saying 'Voyons!' as you give them the glasses to help them see the truth.

Word Web

Voir Vue Vision Visuel Visible Prévoir Revoir Entrevoir

Défi

Try to use 'voyons' in three different ways today: once to yourself when you lose something, once to a friend who says something silly, and once to encourage yourself to finish a task.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin verb 'videre' (to see). The form 'voyons' is the first-person plural imperative, which in Old French was 'veons.' The 'y' was added later to facilitate the pronunciation of the transitioning vowel sounds.

Sens originel : Literally 'let us see.' It was used to invite others to look at a physical object together.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexte culturel

While generally safe, be careful using it with people significantly higher in status, as it can imply they are being illogical.

English speakers often use 'Come on!' in the same way, but 'voyons' feels slightly more intellectual or analytical because of its root in the verb 'to see.'

Molière's plays often feature characters using 'voyons' to point out the hypocrisy of others. The character Tintin often uses 'Voyons...' when he is solving a mystery. French singer Georges Brassens uses 'voyons' in his lyrics to create a conversational, storytelling tone.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Correcting a mistake

Voyons, ce n'est pas ça.
Voyons, tu te trompes.
Voyons, regarde bien.
Voyons, réfléchis.

Expressing surprise

Mais voyons !
Voyons, c'est vrai ?
Voyons, tu plaisantes !
Voyons, incroyable !

Comforting someone

Voyons, ne t'inquiète pas.
Voyons, ça va aller.
Voyons, calme-toi.
Voyons, ce n'est rien.

Thinking out loud

Voyons... où est-ce ?
Voyons... que faire ?
Voyons... je ne sais pas.
Voyons... réfléchissons.

Encouraging effort

Voyons, encore un peu !
Voyons, tu peux le faire.
Voyons, courage !
Voyons, essaie encore.

Amorces de conversation

"Voyons, qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette situation ?"

"Voyons, si on allait au cinéma ce soir ?"

"Voyons, as-tu déjà vu un film français ?"

"Voyons, quel est ton plat préféré ?"

"Voyons, comment s'est passée ta journée ?"

Sujets d'écriture

Écrivez sur une fois où quelqu'un vous a dit 'Voyons' pour vous corriger.

Imaginez un dialogue entre deux amis qui utilisent 'Voyons' de différentes manières.

Pourquoi le mot 'Voyons' est-il important pour comprendre la logique française ?

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû dire 'Voyons' à vous-même.

Traduisez 'Come on' dans votre langue et comparez-le avec 'Voyons'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, when used as an interjection meaning 'come on,' it is always 'voyons.' It is a frozen form. You would only use 'voyez' if you were literally telling a group of people to 'look' at something specific, like 'Voyez ce monument.' For the interjection, stick to 'voyons' regardless of your audience.

It depends entirely on your tone. If said gently to a child, it is comforting. If snapped at a stranger, it can be quite rude and condescending, implying they are being stupid. In a professional setting, use it carefully and avoid a sharp tone.

It is generally too informal for professional emails. However, in a friendly email to a colleague, you might use it to express surprise or to clarify a point: 'Mais voyons, nous en avons déjà discuté !' In formal correspondence, it is best avoided.

'Voyons' is the interjection (Come on!). 'Voyons voir' is more literal and means 'Let's see' or 'Let's check.' For example, if you are opening a box, you say 'Voyons voir ce qu'il y a dedans.' You wouldn't just say 'Voyons' in that context.

Yes, it is universal. However, Quebec has a very common variation, 'Voyons donc !', which is used much more frequently as a general exclamation of shock or frustration. In France, 'Mais voyons' is more common for emphasis.

The 'y' acts like two 'i's. Think of it as 'voi-ions'. The first 'i' forms a 'wa' sound with the 'o', and the second 'i' starts the next syllable with a 'y' sound. It's /vwa.jɔ̃/.

No, it is not slang. It is a standard interjection used across all social classes. However, it is primarily a feature of spoken French rather than formal written French.

Yes, but usually in the form 'Voyons ce qui va se passer' (Let's see what happens). As a standalone interjection, it's more about 'come on' than waiting.

Linguistically, using 'we' (nous) makes the appeal more inclusive. It suggests 'let us both look at this logically,' which is less aggressive than telling someone 'you look at this' (voyez).

Yes! 'Mais enfin voyons !' is a classic French expression of total exasperation. It combines 'finally' (enfin) and 'come on' (voyons) to show that your patience is completely gone.

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