mouais

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Yeah, maybe, I suppose, not really
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/mwɛ/
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An informal response that gives hesitant or unenthusiastic agreement.

Examples

  • Mouais, d'accord, mais seulement pour une heure.
    I suppose, all right, but only for an hour.
  • Il a répondu mouais sans lever les yeux.
    He replied yeah, maybe without looking up.
  • Le film était bien ? Mouais, j'ai préféré le premier.
    Was the film good? Not really, I preferred the first one.
  • Tu viens avec nous ? Mouais, je ne sais pas encore.
    Are you coming with us? Yeah, maybe, I do not know yet.
  • Mouais, ton explication ne me convainc pas vraiment.
    Hmm, maybe, your explanation does not really convince me.

Similar words

ouais
hum
moui
bof
si tu veux

Meanings

Hesitant or reserved agreement

interjection
conversation
informal
A spoken response meaning “yeah” while showing doubt, reluctance, dissatisfaction, or a lack of real commitment.

Examples

  • Tu viens avec nous ? Mouais, je ne sais pas encore.
    Are you coming with us? Yeah, maybe, I do not know yet.
  • Mouais, ton explication ne me convainc pas vraiment.
    Hmm, maybe, your explanation does not really convince me.
  • Il a répondu mouais sans lever les yeux.
    He replied yeah, maybe without looking up.
  • Mouais, d'accord, mais seulement pour une heure.
    I suppose, all right, but only for an hour.
  • Le film était bien ? Mouais, j'ai préféré le premier.
    Was the film good? Not really, I preferred the first one.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from ouais, an informal alteration of oui, with an initial m sound probably influenced by the hesitation sound hum.

FAQ

What does mouais mean in French?

Mouais means a hesitant or unenthusiastic “yeah,” often with doubt or reluctance.

Is mouais the same as oui?

Not quite. Oui gives a straightforward yes, while mouais makes the agreement sound reserved or unconvinced.

Is mouais rude?

Mouais is informal and may sound dismissive, especially with a flat or skeptical tone.

How do you pronounce mouais?

Mouais is pronounced /mwɛ/, like ouais with an initial m sound.

What is the difference between mouais and bof?

Mouais usually keeps a weak yes, while bof more often expresses indifference or a mediocre opinion.

Can mouais be used in formal writing?

Mouais belongs mainly to speech and informal dialogue, so a formal text normally uses a more explicit expression of reservation.

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