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.

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