c'est combien ?
The English phrase "how much is that?" is translated into French as c'est combien ?
This phrase is a question used to ask for the price of an item.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ce (it/this), est (is) and combien (how much).
Did you know?
- The word combien originates from the combination of comme ('as') and bien ('well'). Literally, it began as a way to ask 'how well' or 'how much' of something existed.
- In French, when you are told the price after asking c'est combien ?, the response often begins with ça fait, which means 'that makes'. This implies the total sum is being constructed or 'made' by the items you chose.
- To avoid sounding too blunt in a high-end boutique, French speakers may replace c'est combien ? with À combien est… ? followed by the name of the item.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, combien ça coûte?Excuse me, how much does it cost?
- Cela coûte 20 euros.It costs 20 euros.
- Ce livre, c'est combien ?This book, how much is it?
- Pour ce chapeau, c'est combien ?For this hat, how much is it?
- Dites-moi, c'est combien ?Tell me, how much is it?
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are at a street market.
- ManonHugo, regarde ces pommes. C'est combien ?Hugo, look at these apples. How much is it?
- HugoC'est trois euros le kilo.It is three euros per kilo.
- ManonD'accord, j'en prends deux kilos.Okay, I will take two kilos.
- HugoTrès bien, Manon.Very well, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, combien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
