👉 See also: French interjections hub »
Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
🎧 Audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a native speaker & professional voice artist from France
The French Word of the Day is “Tiens !”, a versatile interjection with many meanings including “Hey!” and “Oh!”. It’s a must-know word you’ll hear constantly in real conversations — yet it’s rarely highlighted in textbooks.
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
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📘 Tiens meaning
“Tiens !” is a French interjection meaning “Hey!”, “Oh!”, “Look!”, or “Here you go.” It’s used to show surprise, get someone’s attention, or when handing something to someone. It comes from the verb tenir (to hold) and is the imperative form used with tu. Tenez is the formal or plural version of “Here you go!”
🎧 Tiens pronunciation
👉 The pronunciation of tiens is /tjɛ̃/ — roughly “tyehn,” with the sound nasalized at the end.
📝 French and English example sentences
1. Surprise / astonishment (“Oh!” / “Well, well!”)
Tiens ! Il pleut déjà.
Oh! It’s already raining.
Tiens ! Voilà Paul !
Well, well! Paul is here!
2. Calling attention (“Look!” / “Hey!”)
Tiens, regarde ce chien !
Hey, look at that dog!
Tiens, j’ai trouvé ton stylo.
Look, I found your pen.
3. Handing something to someone (“Here you go” / “Take this”)
Tiens, ton café.
Here’s your coffee.
4. Surprise recognition / realization (“Oh right!” / “Of course!”)
Ah, tiens ! Je comprends maintenant.
Oh right! Now I get it.
👉 See also: Comprendre conjugation (to understand) »
5. Expressing mild irony / annoyance
Tiens, il est encore en retard.
Well, what do you know — he’s late again.
👉 See also: 10 ways to use tenir (to hold) »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- voilà ! — “There you go!” / “Here it is!”
- dis donc ! — “Hey!” / “Wow!” (surprise or disapproval)
- hé ! — “Hey!” (to call out or get attention)
- eh bien ! — “Well then!”
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