French Interjections

What Are Interjections?

In French, une interjection(an interjection) is a word or group of words used to make an exclamation, give a reaction, ask a question, or express a particular emotion, feeling, or idea. For example, interjections can be used to wish someone well, express surprise, encourage someone, show your indifference, or react to being hurt. Here are the key things to know about how to use interjections!

Top 5 Things to Know About Using Interjections!

1. Interjections are usually stand-alone phrases.

An interjection is usually just one word or a couple of words. That said, interjections can often be used as stand-alone phrases, starting with a capital letter and ending with punctuation, even if there is no verb in the phrase. Alternatively, they can be added to a sentence, following regular capitalization and punctuation rules for sentences. Below are examples of the interjection Félicitations(Congratulations) used on its own and in a sentence.

2. Interjections are often (but not always) followed by an exclamation point or a question mark.

Many interjections are exclamations or quick reactions to a situation and therefore call for an exclamation point. Some interjections are used to ask questions, so they require a question mark. Others can just end in a period or be used with a comma if part of a sentence. Here are a few examples of different punctuation used with interjections.

Note that sometimes interjections can be used with all different types of punctuation, according to the meaning you want to convey (you'll see an example of this in #5 below!).

3. Interjections can include all different parts of speech.

An interjection may be made up of almost any part of speech, like adjectives, adverbs, nouns, or verbs. They can also be made up of a few different parts of speech put together.

4. Interjections are usually invariable.

Interjections are set phrases and thus are usually invariable, which means they don't ever change in gender or number. For example, whether you're speaking to a man, a woman, or a group of people, you'd just say Bon voyage to wish them happy travels. The interjection doesn't change form.

5. The meaning of an interjection can change based on your intonation.

It's important to note that some interjections have multiple meanings, depending on how you say them and which punctuation you're using. A good example of this is the interjection Ah bon(Really), as you can see in the table below.

What Are Some Common French Interjections?

There are many interjections you can use in French! Here are some examples, grouped by situations in which they are most commonly used. You may notice that some expressions are used in multiple situations. As we've noted above, intonation can play a big role in the meaning of the phrase.

Interjections as Greetings in French

Quite often, greetings are simply interjections to say hello or goodbye to someone. Here are some common interjections used to greet someone or to take your leave!

Interjections to Say Hello in French

Interjections to Say Goodbye in French

Interjections for Eating and Drinking in French

Whether you're having a meal at home or out in a restaurant or café, here are some common French interjections you might encounter around food and drink!

Interjections for Politeness in French

Politeness goes a long way when you’re speaking French. Here are some key phrases you should know!

Interjections for Holidays and Special Occasions in French

Whether it's a holiday, a birthday, or any other special time in someone's life, interjections come in handy for wishing people well!

Interjections to Express Agreement, Disagreement, or Indifference

Interjections come in handy when reacting to something someone is saying. Learning some of these phrases can help you to show you agree, disagree, or are indifferent to what you're hearing. Check out some examples below!

Interjections to Express Agreement in French

Interjections to Express Disagreement in French

Interjections to Express Indifference in French

Interjections to Express Anger, Frustration, or Pain in French

When you're hurt, angry, annoyed, or frustrated, here are some interjections you may use to express those negative feelings!

Interjections to Express Confusion or Ask a Question in French

The interjections below can be used when you don't understand something, feel confused, are curious, or just want more information!

Interjections to Express Compassion or Support in French

When you want to show compassion or support someone in a difficult time, here are some interjections you can use!

Interjections to Express Encouragement or Enthusiasm in French

When you want to cheer someone on, encourage them, express your happiness or enthusiasm, or show your support, there are a number of interjections you can choose from!

Interjections to Express Shock or Surprise

Below are some interjections you can use if you are shocked or surprised by something!

Interjections to Use in an Emergency in French

Here are some interjections you might hear or use in an emergency situation!

Interjections That Are Conversation Fillers in French

In casual conversation, people often use interjections as conversation fillers. A lot of the interjections below have similar translations, as they're just used to fill time, as a soft way to introduce an idea, or as a reflex or tick when chatting. Take a look!

Interjections That Are Used to End a Conversation in French

Sometimes, a conversation comes to a natural ending. Other times, you might want to change the topic. Either way, there are interjections you can use informally to signal that you're done talking about the current topic or done talking altogether. Here are some options for you!