What does it mean word for word?
The phrase quel âge as-tu ? literally translates to "what age have you?" because French uses the verb avoir (to have) rather than être (to be) when discussing age.
Which one should you use?
While quel âge as-tu ? is a common way to ask, you may also see Tu as quel âge? used in informal settings. For a more elaborate and polite request, you can use Pourriez-vous me dire votre âge, s'il vous plaît?, which means "Could you please tell me your age?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of form depends on whom you are addressing. Use the informal tu in quel âge as-tu? when speaking to friends, family or children. Use the formal vous in quel âge avez-vous? when speaking to a stranger, an elder or a group of people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying quel âge es-tu ? English speakers often mistakenly use the verb être (to be) to ask for age, but in French, you must use avoir (to have).
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking cultures, asking a woman her age can be considered a significant social faux pas, much more so than asking a man.
- While French uses avoir for age, it also uses the same verb to express hunger avoir faim and thirst avoir soif, treating these physical states as things one possesses.
- The word quel in quel âge as-tu ? is a relative of the English word 'quality', as both derive from the Latin quālis.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, quel âge as-tu ?Tell me, how old are you?
Example conversation
Two children meeting at a playground.
- GabrielBonjour ! Je m'appelle Gabriel. Quel âge as-tu ?Hello! My name is Gabriel. How old are you?
- ChloéSalut Gabriel ! J'ai huit ans.Hi Gabriel! I am eight years old.
- GabrielMoi aussi ! On joue ensemble ?Me too! Shall we play together?
- ChloéOui, c'est une bonne idée !Yes, that is a good idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quel, âge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
