de quoi
/də kwa/
The French phrase de quoi is used to mean 'about what' or 'of what'.
This phrase serves as a shorthand follow-up question to ask for more information or clarification regarding the subject of a previous statement. In English, it functions similarly to asking 'About what?'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the preposition de (of/about) and the interrogative pronoun quoi (what).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you might encounter the expressions De quoi il est question? or C'est à propos de quoi, là?
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken French, de quoi is often used as a standalone elliptical question to prompt a speaker to elaborate on a topic.
Did you know?
- When responding to a thank you, French speakers often say de rien or il n'y a pas de quoi, which literally means 'there is nothing of which [to be thankful]'.
- The word quoi is a distant relative of the English words 'what' and 'which'. They both originate from the same prehistoric Proto-Indo-European root.
- While quoi is the standard word for 'what' after a preposition, using it alone as a question to ask someone to repeat themselves can be perceived as rude or aggressive in France.
Examples in context
- Vous avez demandé à me voir, de quoi s'agit-il?You asked to see me, what is it about?
- J'ai entendu parler d'une soirée, c'est à propos de quoi?I heard about a party, what's it about?
- Excusez-moi, de quoi s'agit-il ici?Excuse me, what is this about?
- De quoi on parle ce soir à la réunion?What are we talking about at the meeting tonight?
- Tu parles de quoi ?What are you talking about?
- Elle s'inquiète de quoi ?What is she worried about?
- Ils se plaignent de quoi ?What are they complaining about?
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are talking about a mysterious secret.
- ChloéJ'ai quelque chose à te dire, Lucas.I have something to tell you, Lucas.
- LucasDe quoi s'agit-il ?What is it about?
- ChloéC'est un secret pour notre ami.It is a secret for our friend.
- LucasMaintenant je suis curieux !Now I am curious!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry de quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
