What is the difference between "ce qui" and "ce que" in French?

Understanding the difference between "ce qui" and "ce que" is crucial for constructing correct French sentences. These phrases are relative pronouns that introduce subordinate clauses, but they're used in different contexts. Let's break it down:

"Ce qui" - Subject of the Clause

"Ce qui" is used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the subordinate clause. It generally translates to "what" or "that which" in English.

Example:

• Ce qui me plaît, c'est la musique française. (What pleases me is French music.)

"Ce que" - Object of the Clause

"Ce que" is used when the relative pronoun is the direct object of the subordinate clause. It also translates to "what" or "that which" in English.

Example:

• Je ne comprends pas ce que tu dis. (I don't understand what you're saying.)

Key Differences

The main distinction lies in the grammatical role within the clause:

• "Ce qui" is followed by a verb because it's the subject.
• "Ce que" is followed by a subject + verb because it's the object.

Practice Examples

To solidify your understanding, let's look at more examples:

1. Ce qui est important, c'est la santé. (What's important is health.)

2. J'aime ce que tu as cuisiné. (I like what you cooked.)

3. Ce qui m'inquiète, c'est son absence. (What worries me is his absence.)

4. Dis-moi ce que tu penses. (Tell me what you think.)

Remember, if you can replace the phrase with "the thing that" in English and it's the subject, use "ce qui". If it's the object, use "ce que".

By mastering these pronouns, you'll be able to express complex ideas more naturally in French. Practice using them in your own sentences to reinforce your understanding.