What does oh là là mean in French?

It’s a versatile reaction that can mean “oh wow,” “oh no,” “oh dear,” or “yikes,” depending on tone and context.

Is oh là là always flirty?

No. English speakers often think it’s romantic, but in French it’s mostly used for surprise, frustration, or admiration — not flirtation.

How do you pronounce oh là là?

Yes. It can show amazement (Oh là là, c’est beau !) or annoyance (Oh là là, pas encore).

What are some alternatives to oh là là in French?

Expressions like ah bon ? (really?), mince ! (oh no), ouf ! (phew), aïe ! (ouch), or mon dieu ! (my God) are often used in similar situations.

Oh là là — Meaning, Pronunciation, and Examples in French

Level A1-A2 (Beginner)

🎧 Audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a native speaker & professional voice artist from France

The French Word of the Day is “oh là là !“, meaning “oh wow” and “oh no.” Today you’ll learn its:

✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons

Subscribe to the French Word of the Day!

French Word of the Day – Oh là là – Oh wow, oh no

📘 Meaning of oh là là in French

Oh là là is a common French expression used to react to surprise, shock, admiration, frustration, or even excitement. Its meaning depends entirely on tone and context. Depending on how it’s said, it can mean “oh wow,” “oh no,” “oh dear,” or even “yikes!” It’s far more versatile (and less flirty!) than many English speakers assume.

🎧 Pronunciation of oh là là

IPA: /o la la/ — Sounds like “oh lah lah”.

📝 8 French and English Examples

Oh là là – Oh wow, oh no

1) Awe or amazement

Oh là là, c’est beau !
Oh wow, it’s beautiful.

2) Excitement or delight

Oh là là, ce gâteau a l’air délicieux.
Oh wow! That cake looks delicious.

3) Admiration or strong emotion

Oh là là, cette chanson est trop belle !
Oh wow, this song is so beautiful!

4) Surprise or shock

Oh là là, t‘as vu ce prix ?
Oh wow, did you see that price?

5) Frustration or forgetfulness

Oh là là, j’ai encore oublié mes clés.
Oh no, I forgot my keys again.

6) Tiredness or feeling overwhelmed

Oh là là, je suis fatigué ce soir.
Oh man, I’m tired tonight.

7) Regret or disbelief

Oh là là, j’ai dépensé autant hier soir ?
Oh no, I spent that much last night?

8) Annoyance or repetition

Oh là là, pas encore.
Yikes, not again.

🎯 Take your French to the next level!
Many of my Word of the Day readers often ask me to recommend a solid French course. I’ve known Camille from French Today since 2016, and I suggest her À Moi Paris program. Through fun audio stories, she teaches the authentic French you’ll hear on the streets of Paris.

👉 Try it risk free »
📖 Read my review »

If you purchase the courses, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

Ah bon ? – Really?
Mince ! – Oh no!
Ouf ! – Phew!
Aïe ! – Ouch!
Houlà ! – Whoa!
Mon dieu ! – My God!
Quelle horreur ! – How awful!
C’est pas vrai ! – No way!

Now that you’ve mastered “oh là là“, check out my lesson on voilà — another French word English speakers use often, but rarely understand how it really works in French.

Discover more on FrenchLearner
👉 French Word of the Day »
👉 French for beginners guide »
👉 French song lyrics hub »
👉 French Vocabulary lists »

David Issokson Founder & French Teacher at FrenchLearner.com

David Issokson is the founder of FrenchLearner.com, where he’s been helping students master French through vocabulary, grammar, and cultural lessons since 2012.

See Full Bio