French Phrase
Ouais, je fais les courses.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "Yeah, I do the errands/shopping." It's a very common and casual way to say you are going grocery shopping or running errands that involve shopping. The "Ouais" makes it informal, similar to "Yeah" in English.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal conversations with friends, family, or close acquaintances when you want to casually state that you are currently grocery shopping or about to go. It's perfect for explaining your current activity or plans in a relaxed setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ouais,jefaislescourses.
Ouais
This is an informal, colloquial way of saying 'oui' (yes). It's very common in casual spoken French, similar to 'yeah' or 'yep' in English. Avoid using it in formal contexts.
Je fais
'Fais' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'faire' (to do/to make) in the present tense. 'Je fais' means 'I do' or 'I am doing'.
Faire les courses
This is a common idiom meaning 'to do the grocery shopping' or 'to run errands' (specifically shopping-related ones). 'Courses' is a feminine plural noun here, meaning 'errands' or 'groceries'.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu fais ce soir?
What are you doing tonight?
Ouais, je fais les courses, et après je rentre.
Yeah, I'm doing the groceries, and then I'm going home.
✕Common Mistakes
Oui, je fais les cours.
Using 'cours' (classes/lessons) instead of 'courses' (shopping/errands) completely changes the meaning. 'Faire les cours' is not a common expression.
Oui, je fais le courses.
The word 'courses' is feminine plural, so it requires the definite article 'les', not 'le'.
Oui, je fais les magasins.
While 'magasins' means 'shops', 'faire les magasins' specifically refers to recreational shopping (like for clothes), not grocery shopping or general errands.
↔Alternatives
Oui, je vais faire les courses.
Yes, I'm going to do the groceries.
Je fais mes courses.
I'm doing my shopping/errands.
Je vais au supermarché.
I'm going to the supermarket.
Cultural Tip
In France, 'faire les courses' is a very common weekly or bi-weekly activity, often involving a trip to a supermarket or a local market. The use of 'Ouais' instead of 'Oui' is a strong indicator of informality and is widely used among younger people or in very relaxed settings. It's generally best to stick to 'Oui' in more formal situations or with people you don't know well.