j'ai une question
/ʒ‿e yn kɛs.tjɔ̃/
The English phrase "I have a question" is translated into French as j'ai une question.
While it is grammatically correct, in formal environments like a classroom, it is often more natural to use the phrase Je voudrais poser une question, which means "I would like to ask a question".
Meaning: I have a question (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I) elided to ai (have), une (a) and question (question).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change the indefinite article une to the plural des and add an 's' to question, resulting in j'ai des questions (I have questions).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒ‿e yn kɛs.tjɔ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, the word question can refer to a formal interrogation or torture, such as the 'question extraordinaire' used by old courts to extract confessions.
- While English speakers 'ask' a question, the French often prefer the verb poser, which literally means 'to place' or 'to lay'. You are essentially 'placing' a question before someone.
- The word question shares an unexpected historical root with the English word 'quest'. Both stems relate to the act of searching or seeking something out.
Examples in context
- J'ai une question pour Tom.I have a question for Tom.This sentence is useful for specifying whom the question is for using j'ai une question.Tatoeba #11242795 by lomicmenes, translation #2358793 by CK
- J'ai une question à vous poser.I have a question to ask you.This sentence shows how to express that you have a question to ask someone using j'ai une question.Tatoeba #1653793 by Rovo, translation #3259943 by CK
- J'ai une question.I have a question.This is a simple way to state that you have a question using j'ai une question.Tatoeba #182757 by trotter, translation #378292 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is talking to Léa about a class assignment.
- GabrielLéa, j'ai une question sur le devoir.Léa, I have a question about the homework.
- LéaBien sûr, Gabriel, je t'écoute.Of course, Gabriel, I'm listening.
- GabrielEst-ce que c'est pour demain ?Is it for tomorrow?
- LéaOui, il faut le rendre demain matin.Yes, it must be handed in tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I have a question” translations and entries j'ai une question, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, question, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
