Où est-ce ?
The English phrase "where is that?" can be translated into French as Où est-ce ?
This phrase is used to ask for the location of a specific object or place.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Où est-ce ? is composed of Où (where), est (is) and ce (this/that/it).
Which one should you use?
C'est où ? is a common, informal way to ask the same question using rising intonation and Où se trouve cela? is a more formal way to ask "where is that?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can use C'est où ? For formal situations, use Où se trouve cela?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the South of France (Midi de la France), one might say Où c'est qu'il est?
Did you know?
- In French, the word où is used not only for physical locations but also to mean 'where' in a temporal sense, such as 'the moment where' (le moment où).
- The formal alternative Où se trouve cela ? literally translates to 'where does that find itself?', reflecting a French preference for reflexive verbs when describing locations.
- The accent mark in où was introduced in Middle French specifically to distinguish the word for 'where' from the word ou, which means 'or'.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a map of the city.
- LucasRegarde ce petit café.Look at this little café.
- LéaOù est-ce ?Where is that?
- LucasC'est juste à côté du parc.It is right next to the park.
- LéaD'accord, on peut y aller.Okay, we can go there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries où, CC BY-SA 4.0.
