Ever find yourself pausing, searching for the right words, or expressing a bit of hesitation? Just like in English, French speakers use filler words! The interjection Euh is a very common way to say “uh,” “um,” or “er.” This lesson will show you how to use this natural part of spoken French. You’ll learn:
Meaning
Pronunciation with IPA
Example sentences
Meaning
The French interjection euh is a filler word that translates to “uh,” “um,” or “er” in English. It is commonly used in informal spoken French to express hesitation, uncertainty, or sometimes surprise before or during speech. It helps to fill pauses in conversation while the speaker gathers their thoughts.
Pronunciation
Example sentences
For this first sentence, donne-moi (give me) is the verb donner in the imperative mood, which is used for giving commands. Je donnerai (I will give) is donner in the futur simple tense.
Euh, oui, euh, c’est une bonne idée. Donne-moi un jour et je te donnerai la réponse.
Uh, yeah – it’s a good idea. Give me a day and I’ll give you the answer.
This second sentence uses the reflexive verb se trouver, meaning to be located. Tu peux me dire (you can tell me) omits est-ce que, which is used in yes-know questions. This is common in spoken French.
Euh, tu peux me dire où se trouvent les toilettes ?
Um, can you tell me where’s the bathroom?
This final sentence uses the pronoun on, which has many meanings including “we”. On verra (we’ll see) is the verb voir (to see) in the futur simple tense. Je sais pas omits the ne in the ne…pas negation.
Je sais pas, euh. Oui, peut-être. On verra, hein.
Uh, I don’t know. Yes, maybe. We’ll see, eh.
More interjections
- Hein – eh, huh, isn’t it?
- Bah ouais! – Yeah!
- Attention ! – Watch out!
- Coucou! – Hi there!
- Oh là là – Oh, wow, yikes!
- Zut – Shoot, Darn!
- Bof – Meh, nah
- Tant Pis – Too bad, oh well
References
