What does y in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word y in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use y in French.

The word y in French means y, Y, here, at + [noun], about it, on it, to him/her, he, it, Y-chromosome, upon consideration, on thinking about it, uncannily, go, Go!, Go ahead!, Let's do it!, be moreish, do well, very much hope so, It makes no sense!, can't make head or tail of it, that's it, That works, That does it, everyone contributes his/her , everybody contributes his/her, Y chromosome, as expected, as though you were there, If you say so!, know all about, tell him/her, look at doing, act holier-than-thou, act all holier-than-thou, honi soit qui mal y pense, clever thinking, you shouldn't count on it too much, you shouldn't get your hopes up too much, I have to go, it's time to go, there's no doubt about it, there's not a living soul, there's no smoke without fire, no problem, There's no harm done!, a little of what you fancy does you good, there'll be no, don't mention it, there's nothing to + [verb] about, there's nothing to get worked up about, every rose has its thorn, There's no easy answer, There's no easy solution, no problem, Where's the fire?, there is no need to do, not long ago, no one died, it's not like anyone died, where's the fire?, there's only one thing to do, seasons don't count for anything anymore, that's what really matters, there's nothing like it, there is not too much harm done, the first step is always the hardest, A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never, there is nothing to be done, you are as bad as each other, no buts, no buts about it, there'll be fun and games, there's going to be fun and games, there is + [singular], ago, ago, there's something fishy going on, ages ago, it has been ages since, a very long time ago, it was a very long time ago that, it tastes almost like , it tastes kind of like, [period of time] ago, it's fun, it's lively, there's trouble brewing, there is static on the line, there is interference on the line, rightly so, with good reason, there is good reason to, that is something to be proud of, someone needs a slap!, there are highs and lows, there are ups and downs, some days are better than others, there are days like that, there are limits, there are times when, there are moments when, it is foggy, there are a lot of people, that's some cleavage, there are a lot of people, it is sunny, it is windy, there is some truth in, there's a mistake, there is some misdealing, odds on, odds on that, it's odds on, it's odds on that, it is a safe bet that, it would be a good idea to do, there's plenty to do, there's a lot to do, There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip, it was a long time ago that, there is some misdealing, there is some misdealing, a short time ago, let bygones be bygones, it's time to move on, there is something not quite right about him, I think I'm missing something, a few years ago, Opportunity is knocking. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word y

y, Y

nom masculin invariable (25e lettre de l'alphabet) (letter)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le mot « yo-yo » s'écrit avec deux y.
The word "yo-yo" is spelled with two y's.

here

adverbe (dans cet endroit-là) (where you are)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Je te défends d'y aller. J'y suis, j'y reste.
I forbid you to go (there).

at + [noun]

pronom (dans un domaine)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Martin s'y connaît bien en informatique.
Martin knows his way around IT.

about it, on it

pronom (familier (à [qch])

Aller en Espagne pour les vacances : d'accord, j'y réfléchirai.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. He thinks about her all the time.

to him/her

(populaire, incorrect (à [qqn], lui)

Si je vois Daniel, il faut que j'pense à y redonner sa brouette.
If I see Daniel, I should think about giving his wheelbarrow back to him.

he

pronom (populaire, incorrect ([qqn], il)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
Mon gamin, y veut pas manger ! Et ton mari, y va bien ?
My lad, he doesn't want to eat! What about your husband? Is he well?

it

(populaire, incorrect (le)

Rentrer le bois, faudrait y faire avant la pluie.
Bring the wood in; you need to do it before it rains.

Y-chromosome

nom masculin (chromosome)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Y est le chromosome sexuel présent chez l'homme.
The Y-chromosome is the sex chromosome found in men.

upon consideration, on thinking about it

(après une réflexion approfondie)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

uncannily

(ressemblance : grande, causant confusion)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Avec ces vêtements et ce maquillage, tu ressembles à ta tante, c'est à s'y méprendre ! C'est bizarre, cette chanson ressemble à s'y méprendre à une vieille démo que j'avais composée.

go

locution verbale (partir)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Désolé, mais je dois y aller.
Sorry, but I must be off.

Go!

interjection (en avant)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Florent a donné le départ de la course en criant : « Allez-y ! ».

Go ahead!

interjection (Faites comme bon vous semble !) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Si vous voulez prendre ce projet en main, allez-y !

Let's do it!

interjection (Commençons !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
C'est l'heure, allons-y !

be moreish

locution verbale (familier (donner envie d'être remangé) (informal)

do well

locution verbale (faire correctement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il s'y prend bien pour un débutant !
He's not bad at that for a beginner!

very much hope so

locution adverbiale (espérer fortement [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Vous serez invités à ce mariage ? Nous y comptons bien.

It makes no sense!

(situation incompréhensible)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

can't make head or tail of it

(situation incompréhensible)

that's it

(nous y voilà)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous sommes au sommet, ça y est ! Ça y est, je suis enfin en vacances !
Made it! I'm on holiday at last.

That works, That does it

(familier (cela convient)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

everyone contributes his/her , everybody contributes his/her

(chacun exprime [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est épuisant ces réunions où chacun y va de son commentaire qui ne résout pas le problème.

Y chromosome

nom masculin (chromosome sexuel) (genetics)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

as expected

(comme prévu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

as though you were there

(tel qu'ailleurs)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Avec le home cinéma, vous assistez au concert comme si vous y étiez.

If you say so!

(attention à vos commentaires)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

know all about

verbe pronominal (être habile, expert)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Marie s'y connaît en couture.
Marie knows all about sewing.

tell him/her

interjection (familier (dis-lui)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

look at doing

(familier (introduit un commentaire négatif) (sarcastic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
T'as parlé avec le nouveau ? Et vas-y que je sors des mots anglais à tout bout de champ pour montrer que je suis trop in ! Il m'énerve ! Et regarde-le, lui. Et vas-y que je mets pas mon clignotant quand je tourne !

act holier-than-thou, act all holier-than-thou

(familier (jouer les prudes) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Véronique fait la sainte-n'y-touche alors qu'elle collectionne les aventures.

honi soit qui mal y pense

(devise de la royauté britannique) (motto: Order of the Garter)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

clever thinking

(c'était astucieux)

you shouldn't count on it too much, you shouldn't get your hopes up too much

(sûrement pas !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I have to go

(je dois partir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's time to go

(il est l'heure de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there's no doubt about it

(il faut l'admettre)

there's not a living soul

(c'est désert)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there's no smoke without fire

(les rumeurs sont vraies)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu, cet homme politique est probablement corrompu.

no problem

(familier (il n'y a pas de problème) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

There's no harm done!

(ce n'est pas grave)

a little of what you fancy does you good

(il ne faut pas culpabiliser)

there'll be no

(pour contrer une objection)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
J'ai dit « au lit » ! Et il n'y a pas de « mais, papa » qui tienne !

don't mention it

(de rien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je vous en prie, il n'y a pas de quoi, c'était avec plaisir.
Please, don't mention it; it was my pleasure.

there's nothing to + [verb] about

(ça ne sert à rien de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a du monde, il faut faire la queue mais il n'y a pas de quoi s'énerver.
There are a lot of people and we have to queue, but there's nothing to get worked up about.

there's nothing to get worked up about

(ce n'est pas si grave)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est gênant, mais il n'y a pas de quoi fouetter un chat.

every rose has its thorn

(chaque avantage a ses inconvénients) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Aussi belle soit-elle, elle a aussi des défauts, il n'y a pas de rose sans épines !

There's no easy answer, There's no easy solution

(c'est impossible à résoudre facilement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

no problem

(familier (il n'y a pas de problème)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il n'y a pas de souci, ce sera réparé dans l’après-midi.

Where's the fire?

(familier (pas besoin de se presser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there is no need to do

(il est inutile de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Écoute, il n'y a pas lieu de s'inquiéter pour l'examen de Pierre, il a bien travaillé toute l'année.

not long ago

locution conjonction (il y a peu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il n'y a pas longtemps que je suis allée à Paris et j'ai acheté les produits qui me manquaient.

no one died, it's not like anyone died

(ce n'est pas si grave)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ne t'énerve pas pour cela, il n'y a pas mort d'homme.

where's the fire?

(il n' y a rien de grave) (figurative, informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Dépêchons-nous, dépêchons-nous ! - Il n'y a pas péril en la demeure, ton train est à 18 h et il est midi !

there's only one thing to do

(figuré (Il n' y a qu'un moyen)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Si tu veux acheter cette voiture, il n'y a pas 36 solutions : il faut que tu travailles deux fois plus !

seasons don't count for anything anymore

(tout est bouleversé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
On trouve tout fruit et légume, tout le temps, il n'y a plus de saisons.

that's what really matters

(c'est ça qui est intéressant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le fromage au lait cru, il n'y a que cela de vrai !

there's nothing like it

(c'est le meilleur) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le brie de Melun de chez Loiseau, il n'y a que ça de vrai!

there is not too much harm done

(c'est moins grave que prévu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La tempête a cassé la vitre mais la porte a résisté, il n'y a que demi-mal.

the first step is always the hardest

(il faut oser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je vais en parler au directeur. Il n'y a que le premier pas qui coûte.

A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never

(justifie un revirement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there is nothing to be done

(on ne peut rien y changer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il n'y a rien à faire, cette voiture est irréparable.
There is nothing to be done as this car is beyond repair.

you are as bad as each other

(ils sont tous mauvais)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ton frère dessine sur la table et toi, au lieu de l'en empêcher, tu fais pareil sur le mur ? Incroyable ! Il n'y en a pas un pour rattraper l'autre !

no buts, no buts about it

interjection (aucune objection n'est permise)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Va ranger ta chambre ! Et il n'y a pas de mais qui tienne !

there'll be fun and games, there's going to be fun and games

(la situation va se compliquer) (colloquial, figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les grands patrons rencontrent les syndicats concernant la restructuration de l'usine ; il va y avoir du sport.

there is + [singular]

(il se trouve)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a de la poussière sur le meuble. Il y a vingt élèves dans ma classe.
There are twenty pupils in my class.

ago

(temps : cela fait)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
J'ai vu ce film il y a cinq ans.
I saw this film five years ago.

ago

(temps : cela fait)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Il y a trois mois que nous nous sommes vus.
It's three months since we last saw each other.

there's something fishy going on

(cela cache quelque chose)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

ages ago

locution adverbiale (il y a longtemps)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

it has been ages since

(il y a longtemps que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a belle lurette que je ne l'ai vu.

a very long time ago

(loin dans le passé)

it was a very long time ago that

(cela fait longtemps que)

it tastes almost like , it tastes kind of like

(cela évoque un goût de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

[period of time] ago

locution adverbiale (x temps plus tôt)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Je suis descendue dans le Sud pour voir ma grand-tante il y a de ça 2 ans.
I went down to the south to see my great-aunt two years ago.

it's fun, it's lively

interjection (c'est animé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est une soirée très réussie, il y a de l'ambiance !

there's trouble brewing

(L'atmosphère, l'ambiance est tendue)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there is static on the line, there is interference on the line

(la communication est mauvaise)

rightly so, with good reason, there is good reason to

(c'est justifié)

that is something to be proud of

(C'est valorisant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Son fils vient de terminer ses examens professionnels avec succès, il y a de quoi être fier.

someone needs a slap!

(Certains nécessiteraient une correction) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce gamin est vraiment horrible ! Il y a des claques qui se perdent !

there are highs and lows, there are ups and downs

(ça fluctue)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

some days are better than others

(parfois on réussit et parfois on échoue)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there are days like that

(parfois les choses vont mal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there are limits

locution verbale (il ne faut pas exagérer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Arrêtez ce bazar ! Je veux bien être gentil mais il y a des limites !
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I really want to be nice, but there are limits!

there are times when, there are moments when

(parfois)

it is foggy

(le temps est brumeux) (weather)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous ne pourrons pas sortir en mer ce matin, il y a du brouillard.

there are a lot of people

(c'est très fréquenté)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Avec ce beau temps il y a du monde sur la plage.

that's some cleavage

(figuré, familier (c'est un décolleté généreux) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Quand elle met cette robe, il y a du monde au balcon !

there are a lot of people

(familier (il y a beaucoup de monde)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est jour férié, il fait beau, il y a du peuple dans les rues.

it is sunny

(il fait beau)

Il y a du soleil. Allons à la plage.

it is windy

(cela vente)

Il y a du vent. Sors donc les cerfs-volants.

there is some truth in

(tout n'est pas faux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a du vrai dans ce que dit le surveillant, la bagarre n'est pas venue d'un seul élève !

there's a mistake

(c'est une méprise)

there is some misdealing

(familier (les cartes sont mal distribuées) (cards)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Parfois quand les cartes sont distribuées, il y a fausse donne.

odds on, odds on that, it's odds on, it's odds on that

(très probablement) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is a safe bet that

(très probablement)

it would be a good idea to do

(il vaut mieux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La blessure est grave, il y a intérêt à appeler d'urgence un médecin.

there's plenty to do, there's a lot to do

(il y a plus que nécessaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip

(ce n'est pas encore acquis) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it was a long time ago that

(indique le temps écoulé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a longtemps que nous n'habitons plus Paris.
We haven't lived in Paris for ages.

there is some misdealing

(mauvaise distribution) (cards)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Parfois quand nous distribuons les cartes à jouer il y a maldonne.

there is some misdealing

(les cartes sont mal distribuées) (cards)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Parfois dans la distribution des cartes, il y a mauvaise donne.

a short time ago

(peu auparavant, récemment)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il y a peu, tu aurais eu de la neige.

let bygones be bygones, it's time to move on

(ce n'est plus passible de sanction)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there is something not quite right about him

(il a quelque chose de bizarre)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I think I'm missing something

(je n'ai pas tout compris)

a few years ago

(quelques années avant)

Opportunity is knocking

(une opportunité est à saisir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

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So now that you know more about the meaning of y in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.