😮🤷‍♂️❓

How to Say ‘Oh, I don't know it.’ in French

Ah, je ne connais pas.

ah zhuh nuh koh-neh pah

[ah zhuh nuh koh-neh pah]

🇫🇷 In France: In relaxed conversation most people drop the ne and just say Je connais pas. You'll hear that far more often than the full version.

Phrase Breakdown

Ah, je ne

ah zhuh nuh

Ah, I don't

'Ah' shows mild surprise. Then say 'zhuh nuh', which starts the negation.

Example

Ah, je ne savais pas.

Ah, I didn't know.

Words in this phrase

[ah]

ah / oh

An exclamation showing realization, understanding, or reaction.

Example

Ah, je comprends mieux le problème ; Ah montre une réaction.

Ah, I understand the problem better; Ah shows a reaction.

[zhuh]

Pronoun used by the speaker to identify themselves.

Example

Je suis content.

I am happy.

[nuh]

not

Used to make a negative.

Example

Je ne sais pas.

I do not know.

connais pas.

koh-neh pah

know it

Say 'ko-nay pa'. Together with 'ne', it means 'I'm not familiar with it.'

Example

Je ne connais pas cette ville.

I don't know this city.

Words in this phrase

connais

[koh-neh]

know

To be aware of or familiar with.

Example

Je connais bien cette chanson.

I know this song well.

pas

[pah]

not

Used with 'ne' to form a negative.

Example

Je ne comprends pas.

I do not understand.

Guides for French learners

Ordering in French: Cafés, Bakeries and Restaurants (with Menu Vocabulary)How to order in French at a café, a bakery and a restaurant: the phrases, the questions staff ask, and the menu and food vocabulary to understand the answers.Hello in French: Greetings, Good Evening and How to Answer "How Are You?"How to say hello in French, when to switch to good evening, how to ask how are you and what to answer, with tu vs vous and native audio.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant lessons were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”

Tom H., 38, Chef

“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”

Nina W., 29, Graduate Student

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer