yes
"Oui" is the standard French word for "yes," used to affirm a statement or respond positively to a question. It is the most fundamental building block of agreement in the language and is universally understood across all French-speaking regions. While "oui" is the standard, in casual settings, French speakers often use "ouais" (a more relaxed "yeah"). Note that when answering a negative question (e.g., "You aren't coming?"), French speakers traditionally use "si" instead of "oui" to contradict the negative premise.
In conversation
Confirming plans
Tu viens ce soir ?
Are you coming tonight?
Oui, avec plaisir !
Yes, with pleasure!
A standard, polite confirmation.
Casual agreement
C'est super bon, non ?
It's really good, right?
Oui, vraiment !
Yes, really!
Using 'oui' to emphasize agreement with an opinion.
Examples
Oui, je comprends.
Yes, I understand.
Oui, c'est exactement ce que je voulais dire.
Yes, that is exactly what I meant.
Oui, il faut absolument qu'on y aille maintenant.
Yes, we absolutely must go now.
