Salut! Learning how to express “what are” in French is an essential step towards mastering the language. Whether you’re having a casual conversation or engaging in a formal exchange, being able to correctly use this phrase will help you effectively communicate your thoughts and inquiries. In this guide, we will explore various ways of expressing “what are” in French, including formal and informal methods. So, let’s embark on this linguistic journey and discover the joy of the French language!
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Formal Ways to Say “What Are” in French
If you find yourself in a formal setting or addressing someone with whom you have a professional relationship, using formal language is essential to show respect. Here are several formal ways to say “what are” in French:
1. Quels sont – This is the standard way of asking “what are” in French. It is used when inquiring about multiple things or persons. For example:
Quels sont les avantages de cette méthode ? (What are the advantages of this method?)
2. Quelles sont – This is the femininized form of the previous phrase. It is used to ask “what are” when referring to multiple female things or persons. For example:
Quelles sont les compétences requises pour ce poste ? (What are the skills required for this position?)
Informal Ways to Say “What Are” in French
When conversing with friends, family, or in informal situations, the French language offers a more casual approach to express “what are.” Here are a few informal alternatives:
1. C’est quoi – A relaxed and widely-used way to say “what are” is by using the expression “c’est quoi.” This can be used for singular or plural subjects. For example:
C’est quoi tes projets ce soir ? (What are your plans for tonight?)
2. Qu’est-ce qu’il y a – This phrase is closer in meaning to “what is there,” but it can also be used to ask “what are” about multiple things or persons. For example:
Qu’est-ce qu’il y a à manger dans le frigo ? (What is there to eat in the fridge?)
Regional Variations of Saying “What Are” in French
While the overall structure of the French language remains consistent across regions, some variations in vocabulary and expressions do exist. Here are a few regional ways of saying “what are” in French:
1. Quais sont (Québec) – In Quebec, the word “quais” can sometimes be used instead of “quels” to ask “what are.” For example:
Quais sont tes hobbies ? (What are your hobbies?)
2. Quels sont-ils (Academic French) – In academic French, to emphasize the subject, the pronoun “ils” can be added after “quels sont” to ask “what are.” For example:
Quels sont-ils les résultats de cette étude ? (What are the results of this study?)
Tips and Examples
To effectively use the phrases discussed above, here are some additional tips and examples:
- When asking “what are” about people, remember to use the appropriate form of the verb “être” (to be), which agrees with the subject. For example, “Quels sont tes enfants ?” (What are your children?)
- Adapting the phrases to your conversation style and preferred level of formality will help you sound more natural.
- Listen to native French speakers, watch movies, or use language-learning apps to familiarize yourself with correct pronunciation and intonation.
Example Conversations:
Informal:
Person A: C’est quoi ton sport préféré ? (What’s your favorite sport?)
Person B: La danse ! (Dancing!)
Formal:
Person A: Quelles sont les caractéristiques de votre produit ? (What are the characteristics of your product?)
Person B: Voici les principaux attributs : … (Here are the main attributes: …)
In Conclusion
Now that you understand various ways to say “what are” in French, both formally and informally, you can confidently engage in conversations with native speakers. Remember to adapt your speech according to the situation and to practice regularly to improve your language skills. Learning a new language is both challenging and rewarding, and by mastering these fundamentals, you’re well on your way to becoming fluent in French! Bonne chance!
