So, you want to know how to say “what” in French? Vous êtes au bon endroit! (You’re in the right place!) In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various translations and uses of the word “what” in the French language. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply preparing for a trip to the romantic streets of Paris, mastering this essential question will be invaluable.
1. How Do You Say “What” in French?
The word “what” in French can be translated into several different forms, depending on its usage and context. Let’s dive into a few of the most common translations:
a. “Quoi”
The most straightforward translation of “what” in French is “quoi.” This translation is typically used in casual conversations and can be used as a standalone question or as part of a longer sentence.
For example:
Quoi? (What?)
Quoi de neuf? (What’s new?)
Quoi faire? (What to do?)
b. “Qu’est-ce que”
Another common translation of “what” is “qu’est-ce que.” This translation is more formal and is often used in written language or in more structured conversations.
For example:
Qu’est-ce que c’est? (What is it?)
Qu’est-ce que tu veux? (What do you want?)
Qu’est-ce que tu fais? (What are you doing?)
Note that “qu’est-ce que” is an inversion of the subject and verb from the statement version of a sentence. Literally translated, it means “What is it that.”
c. “Que”
When “what” is used as a direct object in a sentence, the translation is “que.” This translation is more concise and does not require the use of “est-ce que.”
For example:
Tu sais que je t’aime? (Do you know that I love you?)
Tell me what you think. (Dis-moi ce que tu penses.)
Je me demande ce qu’il faut faire. (I wonder what needs to be done.)
2. What is the French Word for “Is”?
In the French language, the word “is” can be translated as “est.” This verb is a form of the verb “être,” which means “to be.” “Est” is used specifically when referring to the third-person singular form, such as he, she, or it.
For example:
Il est fatigué. (He is tired.)
Elle est belle. (She is beautiful.)
C’est difficile. (It is difficult.)
Remember that French verbs change depending on the subject pronoun and tense. The verb “être” is irregular and has unique conjugation forms.
a. Le Verbe “Être”
The verb “être” is one of the most important verbs in the French language. Beyond simply translating “is,” it can express various meanings such as “am,” “are,” and “were.”
Here are the conjugations of “être” in the present tense:
Je suis (I am)
Tu es (You are)
Il/elle/on est (He/she/one is)
Nous sommes (We are)
Vous êtes (You are)
Ils/elles sont (They are)
b. Useful French Phrases with “Être”
Expanding on the uses of “être,” here are some common French phrases that incorporate the verb:
C’est la vie. (That’s life.)
Je suis d’accord. (I agree.)
Il est important d’étudier. (It is important to study.)
3. How Do You Ask “What is This?” in French?
When you want to inquire about an object or an unknown substance, you can ask “What is this?” in French using the phrase “Qu’est-ce que c’est?”
For example:
Qu’est-ce que c’est? (What is this?)
Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça? (What is this?)
Qu’est-ce que c’est que cela? (What is this?)
These phrases are suitable for various contexts, whether you are pointing at an object, a picture, or even a mysterious dish in a restaurant.
Useful Vocabulary for Describing Objects
When exploring the French language, it is important to expand your vocabulary to be able to describe the objects you encounter. Here are some useful words and phrases to help you with that:
Un objet (An object)
Une photo (A photo)
Un plat (A dish)
Un livre (A book)
Intéressant(e) (Interesting)
Beau/belle (Beautiful)
Étrange (Strange)
Délicieux/délicieuse (Delicious)
By incorporating these terms into your conversations, you’ll be able to inquire about and describe objects more effectively.
Qu’est-ce qui and Qu’est-ce que
When asking “What is this?” in a more general sense, you can also use the phrases “Qu’est-ce qui est ça?” or “Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça?”
For example:
Qu’est-ce qui est ça? (What is this?)
Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça? (What is this?)
These phrases can be used interchangeably with “Qu’est-ce que c’est?” to achieve the same meaning. They add a slightly different emphasis, with “Qu’est-ce qui est ça?” highlighting the subject and “Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça?” emphasizing the object.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve made it through our comprehensive guide on translating “what” in French. By mastering the various translations and understanding their context, you are now better equipped to navigate French conversations with ease.
Remember:
- Use “quoi” for casual conversations.
- Employ “qu’est-ce que” for more formal situations or written language.
- Consider “que” when “what” acts as a direct object.
Additionally:
- “Est” is the French word for “is,” derived from the verb “être.”
- Expand your vocabulary to describe objects and inquire about their nature. Qu’est-ce que c’est?
With these linguistic tools at your disposal, you’re ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the French language. Bonne chance (Good luck)!
References:
- Smith, J. (2017). French Grammar For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
- Morin, E. (2015). Easy French Step-by-Step. McGraw-Hill Education.
- www.duolingo.com/