What Do the French Really Mean When They Say “Bof”?

Apr 05, 2025

If you’ve spent any time listening to French people chat—whether it’s in a Parisian café, a French movie, or maybe in your own French class—you’ve probably come across the mysterious little word “bof.” It’s one of those expressions that doesn’t translate perfectly into English, but it carries a whole vibe. So… what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do the French use it in real life?

🧐 So, What Does “Bof” Mean?

At its core, bof is a French expression that signals indifference, hesitation, or a lack of enthusiasm. It's the verbal equivalent of a shrug.

Think of it as the French version of saying:

“Meh.”
“I guess.”
“Not really.”
“Whatever.”
or even just a non-committal "eh..."

It’s not a formal word—it’s pure, everyday spoken French. And just like ugh, meh, or pfft in English, it’s more about tone and attitude than dictionary definitions.

💬 How Do the French Use It?

Let’s say you ask someone:

– Tu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?
– Bof… j’sais pas trop. Je suis un peu fatigué.

Translation:

– Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
– Meh… I’m not sure. I’m kind of tired.

Here, bof expresses hesitation, but also a lack of excitement. The person doesn’t seem thrilled about the idea, but they’re not completely against it either.

Another example:

– T’as aimé le film ?
– Bof… pas terrible.

– Did you like the movie?
– Meh… not great.

Here again, the person is underwhelmed. Not angry, not impressed, just... indifferent.

😐 It’s All in the Attitude

French people are known for being expressive—not just with words, but with tone, gestures, and facial expressions. When someone says “bof,” there’s often a little shoulder shrug, a tilted head, or even a pouty face that goes with it. It’s a whole performance.

So if you really want to master bof, don’t just say it—feel it. Shrug your shoulders, exhale softly, and channel your inner Parisian.

🗣️ Want to Sound More Natural in French?

Using expressions like bof can make your spoken French sound way more authentic. These little words are like the seasoning in language—they add flavor, emotion, and rhythm.

Other casual expressions you might hear alongside bof include:

Bah… (a hesitant “well…”)
Mouais… (a drawn-out, uncertain “yeahhh…”)
Ben non ! (a soft “well, no!”)
Ça dépend. (it depends)

Mix them into your conversations and you’ll sound like a native in no time!

So, the next time you hear a French person say “bof,” know that it’s not laziness or rudeness—it’s just their way of expressing a kind of charming, low-key “whatever” feeling. And if you ever feel unsure, unimpressed, or just not that into something in French… now you know the perfect word to say it.

Bof, c’est la vie, right?