When can “si” be used

James S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

When can “si” be used

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!

Asked 2 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

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 J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi James

N'importe quoi ___ whatever! but not in a dismissive sense.

Bonne continuation

Jim 

Chris W.C1 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.

Denzel N.Kwiziq community member

je vous aime en amie

When can “si” be used

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!

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