Salut! If you’re interested in learning how to say “que” in French, you’ve come to the right place. “Que” is a versatile word that can be translated in various ways depending on the context. In this guide, we’ll explore different formal and informal translations of “que” and provide you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations along the way. Let’s delve into this linguistic adventure!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Translations of “Que”
When it comes to using “que” in formal French, you may encounter different situations where it can be translated as:
a) “That”
If “que” is used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause, it can often be translated as “that” in English. For example:
Je pense que tu as raison. (I think that you are right.)
b) “What”
“Que” is also used as a relative pronoun to introduce indirect questions. In formal French, it can translate to “what” in English. Consider the following example:
Dis-moi ce que tu as acheté. (Tell me what you bought.)
c) “Which”
When “que” is employed as a relative pronoun to introduce direct questions, it can be translated to “which” in English. Here’s an illustration:
Choisis ce que tu préfères. (Choose which one you prefer.)
2. Informal Translations of “Que”
Informally, native French speakers often replace “que” with various expressions or contractions:
a) “Quoi” or “Qu’est-ce que”
In spoken French, “que” is commonly replaced by “quoi” or “qu’est-ce que” (shortened to “qu’est-ce”). These forms are more frequently used in colloquial contexts. Check out these examples:
Qu’est-ce tu fais? (What are you doing?)
Tu veux quoi? (What do you want?)
b) “Comment”
Another common replacement for “que” is the word “comment,” especially when expressing surprise or disbelief. Observe:
Tu as gagné comment? (You won, how?)
c) “Ce que”
Similar to its formal usage, “ce que” can also be used informally as a relative pronoun to introduce a direct or indirect question. For instance:
Dis-moi ce que t’en penses. (Tell me what you think about it.)
3. Regional Variations
While the usage of “que” generally remains consistent across regions, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
a) Quebecois French
In Quebecois French, you’ll often come across the colloquial use of “tu que” at the beginning of a sentence, meaning “just” or “only.” Consider the following example:
Tu que j’ai fini mon travail, je pars. (Just as I finish my work, I’m leaving.)
b) Cajun French
In Cajun French, which is spoken in Louisiana, the word “què” is commonly used instead of “que” to mean “that” or “what.” Here’s an example:
Elle dit què tu peux aller avec nous. (She says that you can come with us.)
Conclusion
Voilà! Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “que” in French, both formally and informally. Remember, “que” can take on different translations depending on the context, so it’s crucial to consider the situation and tone of your conversation. Whether you’re using “que” as a conjunction, a relative pronoun, or exploring regional variations, understanding its various translations will greatly enhance your French language skills. Enjoy practicing these different ways to say “que” in French and continue on your journey to becoming a fluent speaker. Bonne chance!
