qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ?
The English phrase "what is it with you?" can be translated into French as qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ?
This phrase is used to express concern or frustration when someone's behavior is sudden, strange or out of character. It is a way to ask why someone is behaving strangely or acting upset.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ? literally translates to "what is it that happens to you?"
Which one should you use?
While qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ? is the default, you can also use the informal expressions Qu'est-ce que t'as ? or Qu'est-ce qui se passe avec toi ? to mean the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person, or if you are addressing a single person using the formal vous, use qu'est-ce qui vous arrive ? instead of the default form.
Did you know?
- A single phrase like qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ? can function as both a gentle hand of sympathy and a sharp, confrontational insult depending solely on your vocal tone.
- In the informal variation Qu'est-ce que t'as ?, the French language uses the verb 'to have' (avoir) to describe a state where English would use 'to be'.
- The word qui is a linguistic relative of the French word si, meaning 'if', through their shared Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Vous paraissez stressé aujourd'hui. Qu'est-ce que vous avez ?You seem stressed today. What is it with you?
- Vous ne semblez pas vous sentir bien. Que vous arrive-t-il ?You don't seem well. What is it with you?
- T'as l'air énervé. Qu'est-ce que t'as ?You seem annoyed. What is it with you?
- Tu es tout rouge, qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ?You are all red, what is it with you?
Example conversation
Gabriel notices Emma is acting very moody during lunch.
- GabrielEmma, tu es très silencieuse, qu'est-ce qui t'arrive ?Emma, you are very quiet, what is it with you?
- EmmaRien, je suis juste un peu fatiguée.Nothing, I'm just a little tired.
- GabrielTu as l'air vraiment énervée.You seem really annoyed.
- EmmaC'est vrai, j'ai eu une mauvaise journée.It's true, I had a bad day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
