Fans of Modern Family who have spent holidays in France will most likely identify strongly with Mitchell when he visits Paris. Sick of being treated like just another tourist, he eventually learns that being French is half looking the part and half making the right noises.

With this in mind, I decided to put together a list of French words that you are unlikely to learn in a classroom, which will have you sounding like a native in no time.

Whilst you’re here, if you’re ever unsure of how to pronounce a French word, head on over to forvo.com, where you can find multiple examples of native speakers saying words and phrases.

1) Ouf!

Meaning “phew” when exclaimed (and different from the verlan word “ouf” – though pronounced the same, which is an inversion of “fou”, meaning crazy). Hear it here.

2) Aïe!

Not to be confused with “aie”, which is the present subjunctive form of avoir, “aïe” means “ouch”. Hear it here.

3) Bah!

This can mean “nonsense!” if said with dismissive sass, or can be combined with “yes”: “bah, oui!”, which means “of course (you idiot!)!”. It’s said as it’s written.

4) Pouah!

This is the French version of “ugh!” or “yuk!” and is pronounced like this.

5) Bof!

This word is so onomatopoeic, its very sound denoting its meaning of “meh”, or “so what”. Unlike some French words ending in an ‘f’, you do pronounce this one.

6) Hé! / Eh! / Hep!

These all mean “Hey!” to get someone’s attention, for example, “Hep! toi là-bas!” = Hey! You over there!

7) Oh là là!

Despite what the anglophone world thinks, this expression doesn’t imply anything sensual or racy. In reality, it can be used positively or negatively to express surprise, appreciation, sadness, regret, disappointment and more. And crucially, it isn’t pronounced as English speakers pronounce it. Rather than an Oooo sound, it really is an Oh sound as in the word for water in French: “eau”. Hear it here.

“Oh là là, quelle horreur!” = “Oh dear, how awful!”

“Oh là là, quelle bonne nouvelle!” = “Oh my, what good news!”

💡 Attention! There is another phrase: “Ouh là là !” or “Ouh là”, pronounced how we anglophones think “Oh là là!” is pronounced, and means “Watch out!”. “Ouh là, fais attention au chien!” = watch out, beware of the dog!

8) Tac

This is sooo common! It’s a verbal ticking of a box when you do something, whether a waiter placing dishes on a table, or you crossing off your to do list. It can be doubled, tripled or more: “tac, tac, tac!”.

9) Chut!

This means “shush!”; you pronounce the “t” at the end.

10) Hélas

This one means “unfortunately” or “alas” and you do pronounce the “s”!

“Hélas pour moi” = “Unfortunately for me.”

Final thoughts

This final tip isn’t a sound, but it’s essential: lower your voice. The pitch of a French speaker is considerably lower than an English speaker’s. I call it putting my “bubble voice on”; you’ll know you’re getting it right if it feels like you’re opening your throat.

Are there any other little words you’ve heard French speakers use during your holidays and wondered what they mean? Comment below!