pas vrai ?

ByFast French

The French expressions pas vrai and c’est pas vrai are common in everyday speech. They are both used to express surprise, disbelief or doubt. While they literally mean “not true” or “it’s not true,” they are often better translated as “no way,” “really?” or “you’re kidding.”

These phrases are informal and frequently heard in spoken French, especially in reactions to unexpected or shocking news.

C’est pas vrai

C’est pas vrai is the more complete form, meaning “it’s not true.” It is often used as an exclamation, similar to saying “no way” or “that can’t be” in English.

Examples:

  • Tu as gagné au loto ? C’est pas vrai !
    You won the lottery? No way!
  • C’est pas vrai, il a encore oublié notre anniversaire ?
    You’re kidding, he forgot our anniversary again?
  • C’est pas vrai, elle a démissionné ?
    Really? She quit?

Depending on tone, c’est pas vrai can express genuine astonishment, irritation, or playful disbelief.

It is also sometimes used when someone is exasperated or tired of a situation:

  • C’est pas vrai, il pleut encore ?
    Oh come on, it’s raining again?
  • C’est pas vrai, le train est encore en retard ?
    You’ve got to be kidding, the train is late again?

Pas vrai

Pas vrai is a shortened form and is often used on its own after a statement, either to confirm disbelief or to seek agreement. It is similar to adding “right?” or “seriously?” in English.

Examples:

  • Il a dit ça à ta mère ? Pas vrai ?
    He said that to your mother? Seriously?
  • Tu vas vraiment partir vivre au Canada ? Pas vrai ?
    You’re really moving to Canada? No way, right?

It can also appear as a tag question at the end of a sentence:

  • Tu as déjà fini ton travail, pas vrai ?
    You’ve already finished your work, haven’t you?

In this case, it functions like n’est-ce pas, but in a more relaxed and conversational tone.

Regional and stylistic notes

C’est pas vrai and pas vrai are informal. In formal writing or careful speech, one might say ce n’est pas vrai, but this is much less common in everyday conversation.

Speakers often use these phrases with a rising intonation to signal surprise or as a kind of rhetorical question. They are very common in spoken French, movies, and television.

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • Tel, Telle, Tels, Telles

    ByFast French

    In French, “tel” and its variations (“telle,” “tels,” “telles”) are used to mean “such” or “such a” in English. They are adjectives that agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Here’s a simple guide on how to use each form. 1. Tel (masculine singular) Use “tel” when describing a singular masculine noun….

  • vrai, vraiment

    ByFast French

    The French words vrai and vraiment are commonly used in everyday conversation. Both relate to the idea of truth or reality, but they are used in slightly different ways. 1. Vrai (True/Real) The word vrai is an adjective that means “true” or “real.” It is used to describe something that is factual, genuine, or accurate….

  • verbs with à

    ByFast French

    In French, certain verbs are always followed by the preposition à before introducing another verb or noun. This construction can be tricky for learners, as the preposition changes the meaning or usage of the verb. 1. Aider à (to help to) 2. S’amuser à (to have fun doing) 3. Apprendre à (to learn to) 4….

  • non plus

    ByFast French

    The French phrase “non plus” serves as a negative equivalent to “aussi” (also/too), functioning similarly to the English “neither” or “not… either”. It is exclusively used in negative constructions to indicate that a statement applies equally to someone else. Basic structure “Non plus” typically appears at the end of a negative sentence, following this pattern:Subject…

  • sometimes

    ByFast French

    The English word “sometimes” can be rendered in French through several expressions, each carrying subtle differences in frequency, tone, or context. The most common translations include parfois, quelquefois, de temps en temps, and occasionnellement. Parfois Meaning: The most direct and neutral translation of “sometimes,” indicating occasional occurrence without specifying frequency. Usage: Examples: Quelquefois Meaning: Similar…

  • brun vs marron

    ByFast French

    In modern French, brun and marron both designate what English generally calls “brown.” Despite this overlap, their usage differs according to grammatical function, register, collocations, and historical development. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate and idiomatic French. Etymology and core meaning Brun is an old French adjective inherited from Germanic roots. It has long…