eh - French Definition & Examples

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eh

/ɛ/

interjection

hey (to call attention)

hey (to express surprise or mild reproach)

Eh, tu m'écoutes quand je te parle ?

Hey, are you listening to me when I'm talking to you?

Synonyms:hé, oh

interjection

well; used to introduce a conclusion, reaction or transition (often in eh bien)

Eh bien, si c'est comme ça, tant pis.

Well, if that's how it is, too bad.

Synonyms:bon, alors

interjection

hesitation particle or tag to prompt confirmation/response (like 'right?' / 'huh?')

C'est cher, eh ?

It's expensive, isn't it?

Synonyms:hein, non

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Eh is an interjection. It can express a variety of things: surprise, hesitation, a call for attention, or gentle urging. It roughly translates to "hey," "uh," or "well."

USAGE

It's very common in spoken French. You'll hear it in phrases like "Eh bien..." (Well then...) to introduce a thought, or as a mild call: "Eh, regarde ça!" (Hey, look at that!). It can also soften a request or express slight disapproval.

TRAPS

Do not confuse eh with "hein," which means "huh?" or "right?" and asks for confirmation. Also, "Hé!" (with a capital H and accent) is a stronger, more direct call for attention, like "Hey!" or "Oi!"