Meaning
"You wish" is a teasing reply that means "That's what you want, but it isn't true" or "That's not going to happen." A friend says "You're going to lose tonight", and you answer "You wish." You're saying their statement is a wish, not a fact.
It's sarcastic and playful. Friends, siblings and teammates throw it back and forth, and the smile is part of it. The stress is heavy on "wish", and the voice often slides up and down to show you're joking.
Because it pushes back directly, it can sound rude with the wrong person. Don't say it to your manager, a customer or someone you've met once. With them, "I don't think so" or "I wouldn't count on it" keeps the meaning without the attitude. Its close cousin "In your dreams" is a little stronger and more mocking.
In a conversation
- Xiao
- Tyler
- Xiao
- Tyler
- Xiao
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Check yourself
Practice · 3 min
Listen, then repeat. Stress "wish" hard and let your voice go up and then down, like you're smiling.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.