Learning how to express the phrase “like what” in French is essential when it comes to expressing curiosity or seeking clarification in conversations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “like what” in French, providing various tips and examples to help you understand and use the phrase effectively. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Like What” in French
In formal settings or when speaking to someone you don’t have a close relationship with, using the appropriate phrase is crucial to convey both respect and clarity. Here are some formal expressions to say “like what” in French:
1. Comment ?
The most common and formal way to ask “like what” in French is to use the simple phrase “Comment ?” Literally translated, it means “How?” or “What?” and is widely understood in different French-speaking regions.
Formal Example: Excusez-moi, comment peut-on y arriver ? (Excuse me, how can we get there?)
2. De quelle manière ?
Another formal way to ask “like what” in French is by using the phrase “De quelle manière ?” It can be translated as “In what way?” or “How?” and is commonly used in more formal contexts.
Formal Example: Pourriez-vous me dire de quelle manière fonctionne cet appareil ? (Could you tell me how this device works?)
Informal Ways to Say “Like What” in French
In informal settings or when speaking with friends, family, or peers, a more casual tone is often used. Here are a few ways to ask “like what” informally in French:
1. Comment ça ?
When speaking casually, “Comment ça ?” is a common way to ask “like what” in French. It’s an abbreviated version of the formal expression “Comment ?” but conveys a more relaxed attitude.
Informal Example: Attends, comment ça se fait qu’il soit en retard ? (Wait, like what’s the reason he’s late?)
2. Genre comment ?
An even more informal expression to ask “like what” in French is “Genre comment ?”. This phrase is frequently used among friends and teenagers, and it loosely translates to “Like, how?” or “Sort of how?”.
Informal Example: Genre comment elle a pu faire ça ? (Like, how did she manage to do that?)
Tips and Additional Examples
Here are some extra tips and more examples to help you master the usage of “like what” in French:
- When using “Comment ?” or “Comment ça ?” in a conversation, make sure to pay attention to your intonation. A rising tone at the end of the phrase can indicate a question, while a flat tone may show a request for clarification.
- “Comment ?” or “Comment ça ?” can also be used to mean “Pardon me?” or “Sorry, what?”. It serves as a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves.
- If you want to be more specific, you can add additional words after “comment” or “genre comment” to ask “comment faire ça ?” (how to do that?) or “genre comment expliquer ça ?” (like, how to explain that?).
Real-life Examples:
1. Je ne comprends pas, comment faire ça exactement ? (I don’t understand, like what’s the exact way to do that?)
2. Genre comment tu as réussi à résoudre ce problème de mathématiques ? (Like, how did you manage to solve that math problem?)
Remember, regional variations may exist, but the expressions covered in this guide are commonly understood throughout French-speaking areas. By using these phrases appropriately, you can confidently ask “like what” in French and enhance your communication skills in diverse contexts.
Keep practicing and don’t hesitate to use these expressions in your conversations. Happy exploring the French language!
