See also:
👉 French interjections hub »
👉 C’est ça — that’s it, that’s right »
Level A1–A2 (Beginner)
Updated December 17, 2025 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is voilà, meaning “there you go.” It’s one of the most widely used French loanwords in English, but its real role in French goes far beyond a simple “there it is” or “ta-da!” In everyday conversation, voilà helps speakers present something, signal that something is done, explain a result, or neatly wrap up a thought. In today’s lesson, I’ll show you four of the most common real-life uses, with clear audio examples by Marie. Keep reading!
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons
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📘 Voilà Meaning
Voilà is a French presentative expression meaning “here it is,” “there you go,” or “there it is.” It’s a contraction of the imperative vois (see) and là (there) — literally “see there.” Voilà is used to introduce or point out something, show that an action is complete, or confirm a result. English has borrowed voilà as a standalone word, often for dramatic effect — like “ta-da!” — but in French it’s used much more often in everyday situations. You’ll hear it when someone hands you something, introduces a person, confirms something (“yes, exactly”), or neatly wraps up a conversation.
🎧 Pronunciation of voilà
The pronunciation of voilà is /vwa.la/ (IPA), which sounds like “vwah-LAH.”
📝 4 French and English Examples
1. Presenting something
Voilà votre livre sur la table.
Here’s your book on the table.
2. Signaling something is done
Voilà, j’ai terminé mon projet.
There you go, I’ve finished my project.
3. Explaining a reason
Elle a oublié l’heure ; voilà pourquoi elle est en retard.
She forgot the time; that’s why she’s late.
4. Wrapping up a thought
Voilà, c’est tout ce que je voulais dire.
That’s it, that’s all I wanted to say.
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💬 Related words & expressions
Expressions
- Voilà qui est mieux – that’s better
- Voilà pourquoi… – that’s why…
- Me revoilà ! – here I am again!
- En voilà un qui… – there’s someone who…
- Voilà tout – that’s all
Standalone words
- Tiens ! – here! / hey!
- Ça y est ! – that’s it! / it’s done!
- Tenez ! – here you go (formal)
- Voici – here is (closer than voilà)
- C’est fini – it’s finished / it’s over
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Oh là là (wow, yikes) »
👉 C’est la vie (that’s life) »
👉 Je ne sais quoi (a special something) »
👉 A propos (regarding) »
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