Meaning
A common word to express agreement or affirmation.
Cultural Background
In France, 'oui' is often accompanied by a slight nod. It is polite to maintain eye contact while saying it. In Quebec, you might hear 'oui' pronounced with a slightly different vowel quality, and 'ouais' is extremely common in casual speech. Swiss French speakers often use 'oui' in a very measured, polite way, often adding 'volontiers' when accepting an invitation.
Keep it simple
Don't overthink 'oui'. It's the most reliable word you have.
Watch out for negative questions
Always remember 'si' for negative questions!
Meaning
A common word to express agreement or affirmation.
Keep it simple
Don't overthink 'oui'. It's the most reliable word you have.
Watch out for negative questions
Always remember 'si' for negative questions!
Test Yourself
Which word do you use to answer a negative question?
— Tu ne viens pas ? — ____, je viens !
Use 'si' to contradict a negative question.
Fill in the blank with the most natural word.
— Tu aimes le chocolat ? — ____, j'adore ça.
Oui is the standard affirmative.
Match the register.
Match the informal version of 'Oui'.
Ouais is the informal version.
Complete the dialogue.
— On mange à midi ? — ____, bonne idée.
Oui confirms the suggestion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises— Tu ne viens pas ? — ____, je viens !
Use 'si' to contradict a negative question.
— Tu aimes le chocolat ? — ____, j'adore ça.
Oui is the standard affirmative.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Ouais is the informal version.
— On mange à midi ? — ____, bonne idée.
Oui confirms the suggestion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is perfectly appropriate.
It's not rude, but it's very informal. Don't use it with your boss.
It's just a way to emphasize agreement or show you're listening.
No, they have different functions regarding negative questions.
'Oui' or 'Tout à fait' are both excellent.
No, it is invariable.
Related Phrases
D'accord
synonymOkay/Agreed
Bien sûr
similarOf course
Ouais
specialized formYeah
