Published May 8, 2024 • Updated August 9, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Toutefois Meaning
Toutefois is a French connector word meaning “however,” “nevertheless,” or “nonetheless.” It is used to introduce a contrast or qualification to something that was just said and is very close in meaning to cependant. Toutefois is somewhat more formal and is especially common in written French. For example, “Il est très occupé. Toutefois, il peut nous aider” (He’s very busy. However, he can help us).
Toutefois Pronunciation
The IPA pronunciation of toutefois is /tu.tə.fwa/, which sounds approximately like “too-tuh-fwah.”
Example Sentences
Il est très généreux envers sa famille. Toutefois, il n’est pas généreux envers lui-même.
He’s very generous towards his family. However, he’s not generous towards himself.
Elle a réussi son baccalauréat ; toutefois elle doit encore étudier.
She passed her baccalaureate. Nevertheless, she still has to study.
C’est un homme célèbre, toutefois les gens ne le reconnaissent pas dans la rue.
He’s a famous man. However, people don’t recognize him in the street.
👉 See also: Cependant, a close synonym also meaning however, yet and nevertheless.
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- cependant — however, nevertheless
- néanmoins — nevertheless, nonetheless
- pourtant — however, yet
- malgré tout — despite everything, nevertheless
- quand même — still, all the same
- en revanche — on the other hand, by contrast
- en dépit de — despite, in spite of
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