What does it mean word for word?
The component Qu'est-ce que literally translates to 'what is it that'.
Which one should you use?
The various forms differ based on the level of formality and the subject being addressed. Qu'est-ce que tu veux manger ? is the informal version using the 'tu' form. For a more formal tone, you can use Que souhaitez-vous manger ? (What do you wish to eat?), Qu'est-ce que vous désirez manger ? (What do you desire to eat?) or Que voulez-vous manger ? (What do you want to eat?). For a colloquial approach in informal settings, you can say Tu veux manger quoi ? In a relaxed and informal style, you might ask T'as envie de manger quoi ?, which means 'What do you feel like eating?'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of phrase depends on your relationship with the person. Use Qu'est-ce que tu veux manger ? when speaking to a friend, a family member or someone you know well. Use Qu'est-ce que vous voulez manger ? when speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people. Formal alternatives include Que souhaitez-vous manger ?, Qu'est-ce que vous désirez manger ? and Que voulez-vous manger ?
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Qu'est-ce que tu veux manger ?, the verb manger (to eat) remains in the infinitive form because it follows the conjugated verb veux (want).
Did you know?
- The French word manger comes from the Late Latin manducāre, which specifically meant to 'chew' or 'devour'.
- While manger means 'to eat', it is often used in the phrase manger sur le pouce, which describes eating a quick snack or a meal on the go.
- Using tu in Qu'est-ce que tu veux manger ? with a stranger can be perceived as a lack of respect or a sign of overly aggressive familiarity.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are deciding on a meal.
- EmmaQu'est-ce que tu veux manger ?What do you want to eat?
- NathanJ'ai envie d'une pizza.I feel like having a pizza.
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée !That is a good idea!
- NathanOn commande maintenant ?Shall we order now?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manger, que, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
