Bonjour! If you’re interested in learning how to say “what” in French, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to express this question. We’ll also navigate through some regional variations, although French is generally consistent across different areas. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of “what” in French!
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Formal Ways to Say “What” in French
When it comes to formal situations or addressing someone with respect, there are a few different ways to say “what” in French. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Qu’est-ce que
The most common way to say “what” formally is “qu’est-ce que.” This phrase literally translates to “what is it that.” Let’s see some examples:
- Qu’est-ce que tu veux? – What do you want?
- Qu’est-ce que vous pensez de cette idée? – What do you think of this idea?
2. Que
Another formal way to ask “what” is by using “que” in a declarative sentence. Here are some examples:
- Que désirez-vous? – What do you desire?
- Que pensez-vous de ce projet? – What do you think of this project?
3. Qu’est-ce qui
In certain cases, when asking about a subject, you can use “qu’est-ce qui.” Let’s look at some examples:
- Qu’est-ce qui t’intéresse? – What interests you?
- Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici? – What is happening here?
Informal Ways to Say “What” in French
Now, let’s explore the informal ways to express “what” in French. These are generally used with friends, family, or in casual situations:
1. Qu’est-ce que
Similar to the formal usage, “qu’est-ce que” is also used informally. Here are a couple of examples:
- Qu’est-ce que tu fais? – What are you doing?
- Qu’est-ce que tu veux manger ce soir? – What do you want to eat tonight?
2. Quoi
“Quoi” is a more casual and shortened form of “qu’est-ce que.” It is frequently used in spoken French. Take a look at some examples:
- Tu veux quoi? – What do you want?
- J’ai oublié, quoi? – I forgot, what?
3. Comment
Although “comment” primarily means “how” in French, it can also be used to mean “what” in the sense of “what did you say?” or “what did you mean?” This informal usage is popular in certain regions. Let’s see it in action:
- Comment ça? – What is that?
- Comment tu dis? – What did you say?
Regional Variations
While French is generally consistent across different regions, there can be some variations in how “what” is expressed.
En français québécois (Québec French):
- Qu’est-ce que and quoi are both used in informal settings, but quoi is more prevalent.
- Comment is rarely used to mean “what.”
Wrapping Up
Voilà! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in French. We’ve covered the formal and informal ways to express this question, shared plenty of tips, and provided numerous examples to help you grasp the different contexts. Remember, when using these variations, be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required. Keep practicing, and with time, you’ll become more fluent in French. Bonne chance!
