French Phrase
C'est vrai, hein ?
Meaning
This phrase is a conversational tag used to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener. The word 'vrai' means true, and 'hein' acts as a filler or a question tag similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English. It often implies that the speaker expects the other person to agree with their observation.
When to use
Use this in informal settings when you want to check if someone agrees with a statement you just made. It is very common in spoken French but should be avoided in formal writing or professional presentations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estvraihein
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' and 'est', used to mean 'it is' or 'that is' when identifying or commenting on something.
Hein
An informal interrogative particle used to turn a statement into a question or to express surprise.
🗨In Conversation
Il fait vraiment chaud aujourd'hui.
It's really hot today.
C'est vrai, hein ?
It's true, right?
✕Common Mistakes
Il est vrai, hein ?
In spoken French, 'C'est' is used for general statements, whereas 'Il est' is more formal or used for specific grammatical constructions.
↔Alternatives
N'est-ce pas ?
Isn't it?
Pas vrai ?
Not true?
Cultural Tip
The particle 'hein' is extremely common in casual French conversation across France and Belgium. However, using it too much can sound a bit unrefined or overly colloquial. In some regions, like Northern France, it is used even more frequently as a rhythmic punctuation.