quel genre
The English phrase "what kind" is translated into French as quel genre.
For example, you might use the related phrase Quelle sorte de pomme? to mean "What kind of apple?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quel (which/what) and genre (kind/type/genre).
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean "what kind", quel genre is often used when discussing categories like music, film or literature. In contrast, quelle sorte can feel slightly more general or refer to physical properties.
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by a noun, quel genre is typically followed by the preposition de to mean "what kind of". Additionally, quelle sorte de is a common synonym that can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
Did you know?
- The phrase quel genre can be used ironically to mock someone's pretensions by asking what 'type' of person they imagine themselves to be.
- The word genre is a direct relative of the English word 'gender', as both derive from the Latin genere meaning 'kind' or 'origin'.
- In French, the word genre is used to describe the 'genus' in biological classification, linking the phrase to scientific taxonomy.
Examples in context
- Quel genre de mère as-tu ?What kind of mother do you have?This sentence is useful for asking about the kind of mother someone has using quel genre.Tatoeba #3614342 by Rovo, translation #11733007 by tieguy
- Quel genre d'homme es-tu ?What kind of man are you?This sentence is useful for asking about the kind of man someone is using quel genre.Tatoeba #5741665 by Aiji, translation #3738790 by CK
- Quel genre de vélo as-tu ?What kind of bicycle do you have?This sentence is useful for asking about the kind of bicycle someone has using quel genre.Tatoeba #10776607 by lbdx, translation #10367566 by CK
- Quel genre de musique préférez-vous ?What kind of music do you prefer?
- Quel type de voiture avez-vous ?What kind of car do you have?
- Quelle sorte de vin recommandez-vous ?What kind of wine do you recommend?
- Quel genre de musique tu aimes ?What kind of music do you like?
- Quel type de film préfères-tu ?What kind of movies do you prefer?
- Quelle sorte de livre lis-tu en ce moment ?What kind of book are you currently reading?
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing music preferences at a cafe.
- HugoQuel genre de musique aimes-tu ?What kind of music do you like?
- LéaJ'adore le rock et le jazz.I love rock and jazz.
- HugoEt quel genre de concert préfères-tu ?And what kind of concert do you prefer?
- LéaJe préfère les petits concerts acoustiques.I prefer small acoustic concerts.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genre, quel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
