comme quoi
In French, the phrase "like what" is expressed as comme quoi.
The phrase comme quoi is used to ask for specific examples of something that has just been mentioned. In spoken French, it is frequently used as a standalone question to prompt the previous speaker to provide illustrative examples of a general statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of comme, meaning "like" or "as" and quoi, meaning "what".
Which one should you use?
While the word Quoi ? is a general request for clarification (meaning "What?"), Comme quoi ? is specifically used to ask for examples that illustrate the preceding point.
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to ask someone to repeat themselves because you did not hear them (meaning "Pardon me?" or "Sorry, what?"), use Comment ? instead of Comme quoi ?
Did you know?
- In casual speech, quoi is frequently added to the end of sentences as a filler word, similar to 'you know' or 'like', having nothing to do with asking for examples.
- In certain contexts, comme quoi can express a sense of irony or a realization, such as 'it goes to show that'. It is often used to introduce a surprising conclusion to a story.
- The word quoi shares the same Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'what'. They are distant cousins, but they sound different because of a predictable sound shift known as Grimm's law.
Examples in context
- « Je suis fatigué de regarder la télé. Faisons autre chose. » « Comme quoi ? »"I'm tired of watching TV. Let's do something else." "Like what?"This example shows how to use comme quoi to ask for an alternative suggestion.Tatoeba #5403653 by Aiji, translation #3120818 by Hybrid
- « Vous avez tellement de choses en commun. » « Comme quoi ? » « Eh bien, pour commencer, vous êtes tous les deux célibataires. »"You've got so much in common." "Like what?" "Well, for a start you're both single."This example demonstrates using comme quoi to ask for examples of things people have in common.Tatoeba #11765248 by lbdx, translation #8116786 by Hybrid
- Genre comment elle a pu faire ça ?Like, how did she manage to do that?
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a mysterious gift.
- ChloéElle a dit qu'elle aimerait un cadeau spécial.She said she would like a special gift.
- GabrielComme quoi ?Like what?
- ChloéPeut-être un nouveau livre ou un parfum.Maybe a new book or a perfume.
- GabrielC'est une bonne idée pour elle.That's a good idea for her.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comme, quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
