What does it mean word for word?
The phrase n'est-ce pas ? is a contraction of ne (not), est (is), ce (it) and pas (not), which literally translates to "is it not?"
Which one should you use?
While the English "isn't it?" changes based on the subject and verb (such as "don't they?" or "aren't you?"), the French n'est-ce pas ? is invariant and remains the same regardless of the preceding verb or subject. For specific instances where you are referring to a third person or subject, you may also use the formal n'est-il pas ? In much more casual spoken contexts, hein ? is used to mean "huh?" or "eh?" to seek agreement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
n'est-ce pas ? is considered a standard or slightly formal way to seek confirmation. For informal situations, you can use Non ? at the end of a sentence to seek agreement. In very casual or colloquial speech, speakers often use Hein ?
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English question tags, n'est-ce pas ? is invariant and does not change to match the subject or verb used in the sentence.
Did you know?
- Before pas became the standard, older French used other nouns like goutte meaning 'drop' or mie meaning 'crumb' to strengthen a negative statement.
- Using non ? as a question tag to seek agreement is common in French, whereas the English 'no?' is more frequently used to express disbelief.
- The formal version n'est-il pas ? is rarely heard in modern conversation and is now mostly found in classical literature or very high-register speeches.
Examples in context
- Le rapport est complet, n'est-ce pas ?The report is comprehensive, isn't it?
- Il fait beau aujourd'hui, non ?It's nice weather today, isn't it?
- Tu as encore mangé tout le gâteau, hein ?You ate all the cake again, didn't you?
- On devrait sortir ce soir, tu trouves pas ?We should go out tonight, don't you think?
- Il fait beau aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas ?The weather is nice today, isn't it?
- C'est une bonne idée, n'est-ce pas ?It's a good idea, isn't it?
- Tu es fatigué, n'est-ce pas ?You are tired, aren't you?
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking in a park.
- LucasLe parc est très joli, n'est-ce pas ?The park is very pretty, isn't it?
- ManonOui, c'est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
- LucasOn a de la chance, n'est-ce pas ?We are lucky, aren't we?
- ManonC'est vrai, Lucas.That's true, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
