You’ve probably learned that “oui” means “yes” in French. But here’s the secret: French people don’t always use “oui.” Just like in English we say “sure,” “yep,” or “sounds good,” native French speakers use a variety of expressions to agree.
In today’s blog of Albert Learning, you’ll learn natural and casual ways to say yes without actually saying “oui.” These phrases will help you sound more fluent, more relaxed, and more like a real French speaker. Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want to go beyond the basics
Strong Agreement
These phrases show strong, enthusiastic agreement. They’re perfect when you really want to say “absolutely!”
- Carrément = Totally!
- Grave = Definitely!
- C’est clair ! = For sure!
- Évidemment = Obviously
Mini Conversation
— On va à la plage ?
— Carrément ! Il fait super beau !
Agreeing with Opinions
These are for when someone gives an opinion and you want to confirm or show you agree.
- Exactement = Exactly
- Je suis d’accord = I agree
- Tout à fait = Absolutely
- Pas faux = Not wrong
Mini Conversation
— C’est mieux de partir tôt, non ?
— Exactement. Il y aura moins de monde.
Agreeing with Plans or Suggestions
Use these when someone makes a plan or proposal and you want to say “ok!”
- Ça marche = That works
- OK / D’accord = Okay / Alright
- Pourquoi pas ? = Why not?
- C’est une bonne idée = That’s a good idea
Mini Conversation
— On dîne ensemble ce soir ?
— Pourquoi pas ? Ça marche pour moi.
Casual and Slangy Agreement
Used often by younger people or in informal contexts.
- Tu m’étonnes ! = Tell me about it!
- Grave = Totally!
- C’est ouf = That’s crazy (but I agree)
- Trop bien = So good / Cool
Mini Conversation
— Ce concert était incroyable !
— Grave. J’ai adoré !
Agreeing with Confirmation
Use these when someone asks for confirmation and you want to say “yes, that’s right.”
- C’est ça = That’s it
- Bien sûr = Of course
- Oui, enfin… = Yes, well… (partial agreement)
- Exactement = Exactly
Mini Conversation
— Tu travailles demain matin ?
— Oui, enfin… à distance.
Agreeing Politely
More polite or formal ways to agree, useful in professional or new social situations.
- Absolument = Absolutely
- Volontiers = Gladly / With pleasure
- Certainement = Certainly
- Avec plaisir = With pleasure
Mini Conversation
— Vous pouvez m’envoyer le rapport ?
— Certainement. Je le fais tout de suite.
Agreeing with Emotion or Emphasis
Sometimes you want to show how strongly you feel when agreeing.
- Oh oui ! = Oh yes!
- Mais tellement ! = So much!
- Bien évidemment ! = Obviously!
- Ah ouais ! = Oh yeah! (very informal)
Mini Conversation
— T’as vu cet épisode ?
— Ah ouais, trop intense !
Non-verbal and Sounds for Agreement
Sometimes French people agree with sounds, just like in English.
- Mmmh = Humming to agree
- Ouais = Yeah
- Ouais ouais = Totally / Absolutely
- Bof = Meh (less agreement)
Mini Conversation
— Tu veux y aller ?
— Ouais ouais, on y va.
Softening Agreement
When you agree but want to soften or hedge your response.
- Oui, peut-être = Yes, maybe
- Je suppose = I suppose
- C’est possible = That’s possible
- Pas sûr, mais OK = Not sure, but OK
Mini Conversation
— Tu crois qu’on peut le faire ?
— Je suppose. On peut essayer.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now you have more than 30 different ways to agree in French — and not just with “oui.” Try using one or two of these in your next conversation. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll sound.
Want to sound even more French? Book your free session with Albert Learning and start learning with our expert teachers today!
