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How to Say ‘Oh dear’ in French

Oh là là

oh lah lah

[oh lah lah]

🇫🇷 In France: The French say this for small mishaps or mock exasperation, never as the flirty exclamation English speakers imagine. Adding more là makes it more dramatic.

Phrase Breakdown

Oh

[oh]

oh

An expression of surprise or realization.

Example

Oh, je comprends maintenant.

Oh, I understand now.

là

[lah]

wow

The repeated là increases the emotional force of the expression oh là là.

Example

Après ce but, tout le monde répète là là avec surprise.

After that goal, everyone repeats wow wow in surprise.

là

[lah]

wow

The repeated là increases the emotional force of the expression oh là là.

Example

Après ce but, tout le monde répète là là avec surprise.

After that goal, everyone repeats wow wow in surprise.

Guides for French learners

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