Salut! Are you curious about how to express the concept of “what” in French? In this guide, we’ll dive into the various ways you can say “what” in both formal and informal settings. Whether you want to ask a specific question, seek clarification, or express surprise, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal and Informal Ways to Say “What”
French vocabulary offers different options when it comes to saying “what” depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some common ways:
1.1. Formal
In formal situations or when addressing individuals with respect, you can use the following phrases:
- Que: This is the most common formal way to say “what.” For example, “Que voulez-vous?” means “What do you want?”
- Quoi: While less common, “quoi” can also be used formally to mean “what.” For instance, “Quoi de neuf?” translates to “What’s up?”
1.2. Informal
In informal settings like casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, you can use these phrases:
- Qu’est-ce que: This is a relaxed way to say “what” in French. For instance, “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” means “What are you doing?”
- Qu’est-ce que c’est: This phrase is useful when you want to ask “What is it?” or “What is that?”. For example, “Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça?” means “What is that?”
- Quoi: In informal conversations, “quoi” alone can also be used. For instance, “T’as dit quoi?” translates to “What did you say?”
2. Tips and Examples for Using “What” in French
Here are some practical tips and examples to help you effectively use “what” in French:
2.1. Asking Questions
When asking questions, it’s essential to understand the proper word order in French. Remember to invert the subject and verb when using the formal “que” at the beginning of a sentence. Here are a few examples to illustrate this:
Formal:
Que voulez-vous? – What do you want?Informal:
Qu’est-ce que tu veux? – What do you want?
2.2. Seeking Clarification
When you didn’t catch or understand something someone said, you can politely ask for clarification. Here are some examples:
Formal:
Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît? – Could you repeat that, please?Informal:
Qu’est-ce que tu as dit? – What did you say?
2.3. Expressing Surprise or Disbelief
French provides different expressions to convey surprise or disbelief. Here’s an example:
Formal/Informal:
Comment ça? – What? / How come? / What’s that?
2.4. Common Phrases Including “What”
Let’s explore a few common French phrases that include the word “what”:
- Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire? – What do you mean?
- Qu’est-ce qui s’est passé? – What happened?
- Qu’est-ce qui se passe? – What’s going on?
3. Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and you might come across slight variations in vocabulary or expressions. However, when it comes to saying “what,” the differences in regional variations are minimal. The phrases mentioned above are understood and widely used across French-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in French. Remember, in formal settings, opt for “que” or “quoi,” while in informal conversations, use “qu’est-ce que” or “quoi.” Practice asking questions, seeking clarification, and expressing surprise using the examples provided. Keep exploring the French language, and don’t hesitate to ask “Que signifie cela?” (What does this mean?) to deepen your knowledge. Bonne chance!
