Bonjour! Could the interviewer have answered “si, vraiment” when James said “n’importe quoi”? Also, I infer that “n’importe quoi” is something you’d say when trying to be humble. What’s a good equivalent in English? I don’t exactly understand the expression. Merci!
When can “si” be used
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
JamesKwiziq Q&A regular contributor
When can “si” be used
This question relates to:French interactive reading exercise "James se présente"
Asked 1 year ago
In this case, the use of 'n'importe quoi' was as an exclamation/interjection - similar to English using 'nonsense/rubbish/not really'. There was no question, but in informal speech you may well hear "(mais) si, vraiment/c'est vrai" in response, where in this transcript the simple 'non, vraiment' is used. Remember 'n'importe quoi' is not just an interjection and does not only translate as "nonsense"; in a statement it is also used to mean similar to "no matter what/anything".
Jim Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Hi James
N'importe quoi ___ whatever! but not in a dismissive sense.
Bonne continuation
Jim
Chris Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
N'importe quoi can often be translates as something like "nonesense". In the exercise you refer to, the interviewer could have replied Si.
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Ask a question
Find your French level for FREE
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level