What in French

Three Ways to Say "What"

French uses three main forms to express "what": que, qu'est-ce que, and quoi. Each serves specific purposes and follows different patterns.

Que/Qu'

Used before vowels, qu' replaces que. It's formal and requires subject-verb inversion.

Example Sentences:

1. "Que veux-tu?" (What do you want?)

• Uses "que" at the start with inverted "veux-tu"

2. "Qu'as-tu dit?" (What did you say?)

• Uses "qu'" because "as" starts with a vowel

Qu'est-ce que/qui

The most common way to ask "what" in everyday French.

Example Sentences:

1. "Qu'est-ce que c'est?" (What is it?)

• Standard phrase for asking about objects

2. "Qu'est-ce que tu fais?" (What are you doing?)

• Natural way to ask about actions

3. "Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" (What's happening?)

• Uses "qui" because it's followed by a verb without a stated subject

Quoi

Used at the end of sentences or by itself.

Example Sentences:

1. "Tu fais quoi?" (What are you doing?)

• Informal, common in spoken French

2. "Quoi?" (What?)

• Stand-alone response showing confusion

3. "C'est fait avec quoi?" (What is it made with?)

• "Quoi" follows a preposition

Common Question Patterns

Asking About Objects

1. "Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?" (What is that?)

• Formal way to inquire about items

2. "C'est quoi, ça?" (What's that?)

• Informal, everyday version

Asking About Actions

1. "Qu'est-ce que vous faites?" (What are you doing?)

• Polite form for unknown people

2. "Tu fais quoi?" (What are you doing?)

• Casual form for friends

Asking About Reasons

1. "Qu'est-ce qui t'arrive?" (What's happening to you?)

• Shows concern or interest

2. "Pour quoi faire?" (What for?)

• Questions the purpose

Level of Formality

Formal Situations

• Use "que" with inversion
• "Qu'est-ce que" constructions
• Complete sentences

Informal Situations

• "Quoi" at sentence end
• Shorter constructions
• Stand-alone "quoi"

Cultural Tips

• French speakers often use "quoi" to end sentences for emphasis
• Multiple "what" questions in succession can seem impolite
• Body language plays a big role in conveying meaning

Choose your form of "what" based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you're speaking to.

The most versatile and safe choice is "qu'est-ce que" when unsure.