10 French Exclamations That You Need To Be Using Now

If you thought you’d be on safe ground using the expression ‘yum!’ in a café to express your appreciation of the fine French croissant you’ve been presented with… you thought wrong. Sorry to break it to you, but even the little words you may have previously thought were universal at expressing emotion turn out to be just as different as the rest of the puzzle that is the French language.

However, all is not lost; learn the following French interjections now, and you’ll be able to pop them into most situations and give off the impression you totally know what you’re doing, whether you speak any actual French or not.

Aïe ! – Interjection used to express pain or discomfort.
E.g. Aïe, aïe, aïe ! I just hit my head on my very low, very Parisian ceiling.

Mince ! – Injection used to express frustration and/or annoyance.
E.g. Mince ! I can’t believe I forgot my keys, again! Now I’ll have to climb back up the hundreds of steps to my lift-less Parisian apartment.

Ouf ! – Interjection used to express relief.
E.g. Ouf ! Thank goodness I brought my umbrella to prevent my very Parisian-chic hairdo from getting ruined in this atrocious weather!

Miam Miam ! – Interjection to express the deliciousness of something.
E.g. Miam Miam ! This croissant is possibly one of the most delicately delicious taste-sensations I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

Bof ! – Interjection to express the poor/below satisfactory quality of something.
E.g. Have you connected to the Wifi? What’s the signal like?
– Bof !

Oups ! – Interjection used to acknowledge a mistake/error.
E.g. Oups ! I can’t believe I forgot to water the terrace plants this morning!

Chut ! – Interjection used to request silence/quietness.
E.g Chut ! This is a library not a night club! Put your headphones on please!

Beurk ! – Interjection used to express dislike/disgust.
E.g. Valentines Day? Beurk ! All that soppiness makes me feel ill!

Zut ! – Interjection used to acknowledge a mistake/error.
E.g. Zut ! I can’t believe I forgot to set my alarm again; here’s hoping the Métro is quick today!

Hein ? – Interjection to show that one has not understood/to express disbelief.
E.g. Hein ? – What do you mean it’s only Wednesday? But I’m ready for the weekend!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.