quand quelque chose est
The phrase "when something is" in French is translated as quand quelque chose est.
A phrase used to introduce a condition or a situation where a specific object or matter has a certain quality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quand (when), quelque chose (something) and est (is).
Which one should you use?
The phrase lorsque quelque chose est can be used as a more formal alternative to quand quelque chose est.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the indicative mood, which is standard for introducing a temporal or conditional state in French.
Did you know?
- In casual French, chose can be used to refer to a person or a vague situation, whereas in English 'something' usually refers to an object.
- The word chose is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'cause'. Both descended from the Latin 'causa', meaning 'reason' or 'cause'.
- French writers often switch between quand and lorsque in a single text simply to avoid repeating the same sound, regardless of the level of formality.
Examples in context
- La lettre est écrite en français .The letter is written in French.
- J'ai lu ce livre dans la langue française .I read this book in the French language.
- Les instructions sont en français, tu vois .The instructions are in French, you know.
- Quand quelque chose est cassé, il faut le réparer.When something is broken, it must be repaired.
- Quand quelque chose est prêt, préviens-moi.When something is ready, let me know.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a home renovation project.
- LucasC'est frustrant quand quelque chose est mal fait.It's frustrating when something is poorly done.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
- LucasOn doit tout recommencer demain.We have to start everything over tomorrow.
- EmmaCe n'est pas grave, on va réussir.It's okay, we will succeed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, est, quand, quelque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
