Learning French: what does dis donc mean and when should it be used?
This all-purpose French filler phrase can help you sound like a native.
What can you say when reacting to some surprising news?
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Dis donc is a multi-purpose reaction to sprinkle into conversations. It makes you sound like an authentic French speaker and it is easy to get the hang of.
What does dis donc mean?
The definition of dis donc is difficult to pinpoint as it depends on context.
Dis donc can be broken down to a literal meaning of: say so or say then. However, a more accurate translation would be wow, gosh or, really.
It is typically used to express both positive and negative shock much like the phrases: you don’t say, or, well I never!
When do you say dis donc?
This flexible phrase can be used in reaction to anything!
It is most often heard in spoken French or read in informal message exchanges and can be placed at the beginning or the end of a sentence. It can also act as a stand-alone phrase.
You might use dis donc to react or draw attention to something surprising:
Dis donc, il a une belle voix. - Wow, he has a beautiful voice.
Il a perdu son chat ? Ben, dis donc ! - He lost his cat? Oh goodness!
On the other hand, dis donc can appear in a more ironic way when showing shock or disapproval:
Il a été le premier à arriver ? Eh bien dis donc ! - He was the first to arrive? Well I never!
Mais dis donc, c’est pas Versailles ici. - For goodness’ sake, we are not in Versailles.
Dis donc can be swapped with other French phrases such as oh là là, or, ça alors !
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To whom do you say dis donc?
This phrase can be used by everyone, which is why it is so often heard in everyday French.
Dis donc follows the informal tu form of this expression. The plural, formal vous form is, dites donc, or just simply, dites.
You may have noticed dis donc can also be combined with French filler sounds, et bah or eh bien: mini expressions used to show shock or exaggeration.
Read more: Oups, hop, paf: French mini expressions that say a lot
