The difference between "ma foi" and "eh bien"

Question

These two interjections seem to carry the meaning of "well" in English, but I wonder if they have nuances of meaning or such?

Ma foi, je dois dire que j'ai eu mon lot d'aventures pour la journée.

Eh bien, je dois dire que j'ai eu mon lot d'aventures pour la journée.

No difference as far as I know. You can even say:
'Eh bien ma foi, je dois dire que j'ai eu mon lot d'aventures pour la journée.' — Destal, Jul 02 '16 at 08:32

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 02 '16 at 07:26

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No difference in meaning, however I think "ma foi" is less broadly used. I tend to think that it's because literally, it refers to the speaker's religion, which areligious people don't have much use for, and which some religious people find distasteful; but can offer no source to vouch for this other than my own personal experience.

answered Jul 02 '16 at 07:26

qoba

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I think "Ma foi" is only used near Marseille... (and people who moved from there) – Random Jul 02 '16 at 09:50
@Random: And Toulouse. Le midi. – Drew Jul 04 '16 at 16:51

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 02 '16 at 09:54

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Ma foi also seems to be used exclusively by older people, 60+. I've never heard a teen say it, or even anyone middle aged.

answered Jul 02 '16 at 09:54

lkl

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On Marseille/Aix-en-provence, it is very common :) – Random Jul 02 '16 at 11:57

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 02 '16 at 20:29

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It doesn't really help but you can also say both at once like:

"Eh bien ma foi, ce fut une bonne journée."

Nevertheless that's more formal speech.

answered Jul 02 '16 at 20:29

ekersale

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The difference between "ma foi" and "eh bien"

3 Answers3