“Aw, you're just saying that!”

English Lesson: Aw, you're just saying that!

You don't usually cook dinner, but tonight you did. Your wife says that the food is really good. You're happy that she said so, but you don't really believe her. You think she's just trying to be nice to you.

Aw, you're just saying that!

Want Video and Sound? Follow us on YouTube

Aw

This is a sound that English speakers make in a few different situations:

The example above is probably closest to #3. When people pay you a compliment, you can start your response by saying "Aw":

Aw, thanks.

You're just saying that.

This means "You don't really think that; you're only trying to be nice to me." Say this when someone compliments you, but you don't believe them or if you want to seem humble:

A: You're one of the smartest people I've ever worked with.

B: Whatever! You're just saying that.

A longer version of "You're just saying that" is:

You're just saying that to be nice.

You can also use this phrase in negative form and in questions:

A: You look great!

B: Really? You're not just saying that?