c'est quoi ton problème ?
The English phrase "what is your problem?" is translated into French as c'est quoi ton problème ?
This phrase is a confrontational question used to ask someone why they are behaving badly or acting annoyed.
Which one should you use?
The default form c'est quoi ton problème ? uses quoi (what) in a way that is common in spoken, informal French, whereas the Quel est… structure is more grammatically standard. Using C'est quoi… instead of Quel est… makes the question sound more blunt and colloquial, which fits the confrontational nature of the phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Quel est votre problème ? is the formal version of the question, using the polite votre instead of the informal ton. For an informal setting, you can use Quel est ton problème? or the more blunt c'est quoi ton problème ?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the informal expression Qu'est-ce qui te chicotte? is an equivalent way to say "What's bothering you?"
Did you know?
- Using the formal votre in Quel est votre problème ? during a fight can actually make the speaker sound more aggressive. This is because the sudden politeness creates a cold and sarcastic distance between the speakers.
- The word problème is a borrowing from the Greek próblēma, which originally described a physical 'obstacle' or something thrown forward in a person's path.
- While using c'est quoi… is very common in everyday speech, it is often categorized as 'low' or street language. Using quoi in this specific structure is a marker of informal, non-standard French.
Examples in context
- Je sais que tu es contrarié. Quel est ton problème?I know you're upset. What is your problem?
- Tu me cries dessus, c'est quoi ton problème ?You are shouting at me, what is your problem?
- Arrête d'être méchant, c'est quoi ton problème ?Stop being mean, what is your problem?
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing in a park.
- LucasTu es de mauvaise humeur aujourd'hui.You are in a bad mood today.
- LéaLaisse-moi tranquille, Lucas !Leave me alone, Lucas!
- LucasC'est quoi ton problème ?What is your problem?
- LéaMon problème, c'est que tu m'agaces.My problem is that you are annoying me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, problème, quoi, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
