A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Absolutely" in French
The French word for 'absolutely' – use it to agree strongly or confirm something.
Absolument !
ab-so-loo-MAHNneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you want to agree with someone emphatically, like saying 'Yes, definitely!' or 'Exactly!'. It's also perfect for confirming something with certainty, such as 'Absolutely, I'll be there.'
Alternatives
- Tout à fait !Slightly more formal, meaning 'entirely' or 'quite so'.
- Carrément !More casual and emphatic, like 'totally' or 'for sure'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the final 't'
The final 't' in 'absolument' is silent; focus on the nasal 'u' sound.
The French 'u' sound
This sound doesn't exist in English; try saying 'ee' with your lips rounded.
A small cultural note
While 'Absolument !' is common, some French speakers might find it a bit strong in very casual settings, preferring 'Oui, bien sûr' (Yes, of course) or 'D'accord' (Okay).
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When to use absolument vs oui?
Use 'Absolument !' for strong agreement or confirmation, like 'Absolutely!' Use 'Oui' for a simple 'yes'.
Is absolument formal?
It's generally neutral and can be used in most situations. For very formal settings, 'Tout à fait' might be preferred.
How to pronounce absolument?
It sounds roughly like 'ab-so-loo-MAHN', with the stress on the last syllable and a nasal vowel sound.
