quel âge as-tu ?
To ask "how old are you?" in French, you can say quel âge as-tu ?
This phrase is used to inquire about a person's age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what age have you?" because French uses the verb avoir (to have) instead of "to be" when discussing age.
Which one should you use?
While quel âge as-tu ? is a standard question, you may also encounter the colloquial version tu as quel âge ? in casual spoken French. The form quel âge avez-vous ? serves as the formal or plural alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people or using a formal tone, use the form quel âge avez-vous ?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb être (to be) to ask about age, such as quel âge es-tu ?, as this is incorrect in French.
Did you know?
- While French uses avoir for age, it also uses the same verb to express hunger, thirst, and fear, such as j'ai faim for 'I am hungry'.
- In France, asking an adult quel âge avez-vous ? is often considered an intrusive or impolite question unless the context is medical or official.
- The English word 'age' is actually a loanword from the Old French âge, which is why the two words look and mean the same thing today.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, quel âge as-tu ?Tell me, how old are you?
Example conversation
Two students are getting to know each other at a university.
- NathanSalut, quel âge as-tu ?Hi, how old are you?
- ManonJ'ai vingt ans, et toi ?I am twenty years old, and you?
- NathanJ'ai vingt et un ans.I am twenty-one years old.
- ManonNous sommes presque du même âge !We are almost the same age!
