Ce que in French: Usage and Examples
"Ce que" is a common French expression that often confuses English speakers. This phrase is essential for forming certain types of questions and statements in French. Let's explore its usage and see some practical examples.
Meaning and Function
"Ce que" generally translates to "what" or "that which" in English. It's used to introduce relative clauses and indirect questions.
Common Uses
In Questions
"Ce que" is frequently used in indirect questions:
- Je ne sais pas ce que tu veux. (I don't know what you want.)
- Dis-moi ce que tu penses. (Tell me what you think.)
In Statements
It's also used in statements to refer to something previously mentioned or understood:
- Ce que tu as dit est intéressant. (What you said is interesting.)
- J'aime ce que tu as fait. (I like what you've done.)
Examples in Context
To better understand how "ce que" works in real-life French, let's look at some more examples:
- Ce que je préfère, c'est le chocolat. (What I prefer is chocolate.)
- Il ne comprend pas ce que je dis. (He doesn't understand what I'm saying.)
- Ce que vous voyez ici est le résultat de années de travail. (What you see here is the result of years of work.)
Tips for Usage
- Remember that "ce que" is always followed by a subject and verb.
- Don't confuse "ce que" with "ce qui". Use "ce que" when it's the direct object of the verb in the relative clause.
Understanding and correctly using "ce que" will greatly improve your French communication skills. Practice with the examples provided, and soon you'll be using this expression naturally in your French conversations.