Learning how to express common phrases in another language helps to expand your communication skills and immerse yourself in the local culture. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of saying “What is it about?” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations. So let’s delve into the French language and discover different ways to express this question!
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Formal Ways to Say “What is it about?” in French
When speaking formally or in professional contexts, it is crucial to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions to ask “What is it about?” in French:
1. Qu’est-ce que c’est ?
“Qu’est-ce que c’est ?” is the most basic and straightforward way to ask “What is it?” in French. This expression is commonly used, and it can be employed in various situations. For example:
Qu’est-ce que c’est ce livre ? – What is this book about?
Qu’est-ce que c’est ce film ? – What is this movie about?
2. De quoi il s’agit ?
“De quoi il s’agit ?” is a more formal way to ask “What is it about?” in French. This expression is often used in professional settings, such as during meetings or presentations. Here are a few examples:
De quoi s’agit-il dans ce rapport ? – What is it about in this report?
De quoi s’agit-il dans cette conférence ? – What is it about in this conference?
Informal Ways to Say “What is it about?” in French
Informal situations call for a more relaxed style of language. Here are a couple of informal expressions you can use to ask “What is it about?” in French:
1. C’est à propos de quoi ?
“C’est à propos de quoi ?” is a common way to ask “What is it about?” in casual conversations. Although less formal, it is still widely understood. Here are a few examples:
C’est à propos de quoi, ce bouquin ? – What is this book about?
C’est à propos de quoi, ce film ? – What is this movie about?
2. Il parle de quoi ?
“Il parle de quoi ?” is an informal expression used to ask “What is it about?” when referring to someone or their conversation. It is commonly used among friends and in casual settings. Examples include:
Il parle de quoi, ton ami ? – What is your friend talking about?
Il parle de quoi, cette émission ? – What is this show about?
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and there might be slight variations in expressions depending on the area. Here’s a regional variation of asking “What is it about?” in French:
1. De quoi il en retourne ? (Northern France)
“De quoi il en retourne ?” is a phrase more commonly used in the northern parts of France. It shares the same meaning as “What is it about?” and can be used interchangeably. Examples include:
De quoi il en retourne dans ce roman ? – What is it about in this novel?
De quoi il en retourne dans ce spectacle ? – What is it about in this show?
Summary
Now you’re equipped with various expressions to ask “What is it about?” in French. Remember to choose the appropriate formality level based on the context you find yourself in. Here is a brief summary of the phrases we covered:
- Qu’est-ce que c’est ? (Neutral/familiar)
- De quoi il s’agit ? (Formal/professional)
- C’est à propos de quoi ? (Informal/casual)
- Il parle de quoi ? (Informal/casual)
- De quoi il en retourne ? (Regional variation – Northern France)
Practice these expressions in conversations with native French speakers, and immerse yourself in the rich linguistic landscape of the French language. Happy learning!
