Published March 6, 2024 • Updated July 19, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Rien — Meaning and Pronunciation
Rien is a French pronoun meaning “nothing” or “anything.” It is most commonly used in the negative expression ne… rien, as in Je ne comprends rien (I don’t understand anything). Rien also appears in expressions such as de rien (you’re welcome), je n’en sais rien (I have no idea) and ça ne fait rien (it doesn’t matter).
The IPA pronunciation of rien is /ʁjɛ̃/, which sounds approximately like “ryehn”.
Example Sentences
1. Rien = nothing
Qu’est-ce que tu manges ce soir ? — Rien.
What are you eating tonight? — Nothing.
2. Ne… rien negation
Les Français parlent tellement vite. Je ne comprends rien !
The French speak so fast. I don’t understand anything!
3. De rien = you’re welcome
Merci beaucoup ! Vous êtes très gentil ! — De rien. Je vous en prie.
Thank you very much! You are very kind. — You’re welcome.
4. Je n’en sais rien = I have no idea
Quand est-ce que les Jeux olympiques commencent ? – Je n’en sais rien !
When are the Olympics games starting? – I have no idea!
5. Rien ne + verb = Nothing + verb
Tu as des idées ? Non, rien ne me vient à l’esprit.
Do you have any ideas? – No. Nothing comes to mind.
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Related words and expressions
- ne… rien — nothing / not anything
- je n’en sais rien — I have no idea
- rien du tout — nothing at all
- ça ne fait rien — it doesn’t matter
- plus rien — nothing anymore
- rien à voir — nothing to do with it
- cela ne sert à rien — it’s pointless
📚 Related lessons
👉 French negation rules »
👉 De rien (you’re welcome) »
👉 Ne… pas (not) »
👉 Jamais (never) »
👉 Ne… personne (nobody) »
👉 Ne… que (only) »
👉 Ne… plus (not anymore) »
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