How do you say “really” in French
In French there are two main ways of saying really: vraiment (vʀɛmɑ̃) and ah bon. This page will explain how to use both ways of saying “really” in example sentences.
Vraiment pronunciation
The pronunciation of vraiment sounds like “vray-muhn”. This page on Forvo gives several good audio samples. The following video by YouTube French teacher Vincent also demonstrates the pronunciation.
Sample sentences
The first usage of variment is to express “truly” or “in fact”. A synonym to vraiment here is réellement. For example:
- La nouvelle voiture m’a vraiment (or réellement) surprise. The new care really surprised me.
The second usage of vraiment is to mean “really” in the context of “very”. For example:
- Ma nouvelle maison est vraiment (très) grande. My new house is really (very) big.
The third usage of vraiment is to express indignation. For example:
- Non mais vaiment! Il est ridicule! Really! He’s ridiculous!
Ah bon is used to express “really” in the context of “I didn’t know”. For example:
- Ah bon ? Je ne savais pas qu’il ne venait pas. Really? I didn’t know he’s not coming.
- Vous avez gagné à la loterie ? Ah bon? You won the lottery? Really?
C’est vrai can also be used to express “really” in this context. For example:
- Vous avez vendu la maison ? C’est vrai ? You sold the house? Really?
To express “not really” in French, say pas vraiment. For example:
- Aimez-vous ce fromage ? – Pas vraiment. Do you like this cheese? – Not really.
Discover more:
- Main vocabulary page
- Okay in french
- Ways of saying thank you in French
- Ways of saying hello in French
