How to use French interrogative pronouns

French interrogative pronouns are essential for forming questions. Understanding how to use them correctly will greatly improve your ability to communicate in French.

Main Interrogative Pronouns

Qui (Who)

"Qui" is used to ask about people:

• Qui est-ce? (Who is it?)
• Qui vient à la fête? (Who's coming to the party?)

Que/Quoi (What)

"Que" is used before a verb, while "quoi" is used at the end of a question:

• Que fais-tu? (What are you doing?)
• Tu veux quoi? (What do you want?)

Lequel/Laquelle/Lesquels/Lesquelles (Which)

These pronouns agree in gender and number with the noun they replace:

• Lequel de ces livres préfères-tu? (Which of these books do you prefer?)
• Laquelle de ces robes est la plus belle? (Which of these dresses is the prettiest?)

Other Important Interrogative Pronouns

Où (Where)

"Où" is used to ask about place or location:

• Où habites-tu? (Where do you live?)
• Où as-tu mis mes clés? (Where did you put my keys?)

Quand (When)

"Quand" is used to ask about time:

• Quand pars-tu en vacances? (When are you leaving for vacation?)
• Quand est-ce que le film commence? (When does the movie start?)

Comment (How)

"Comment" is used to ask about manner or state:

• Comment vas-tu? (How are you?)
• Comment est-ce qu'on fait ça? (How do we do this?)

Practice Tips

To master French interrogative pronouns, try forming questions about various topics in your daily life. Start with simple questions and gradually increase complexity as you become more comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect!