How to Say “What” in French: 7 Essential Question Words

Understanding the Complexity of French Question Words

When learning French, one of the first stumbling blocks many students encounter is the apparent simplicity of asking “what.” In English, this single word serves multiple grammatical functions. However, the French language takes a different approach by creating distinct words and expressions for each role that “what” plays. Rather than having one universal term, French divides the concept into seven primary translations, each suited for specific contexts and grammatical situations. This linguistic sophistication may seem intimidating at first, but understanding the logic behind these distinctions will dramatically improve your ability to ask questions naturally and appropriately in French.

The Informal Approach: Using Quoi in Everyday Conversation

The most casual way to express “what” in French is through the word quoi, which directly translates as “what.” However, this term is distinctly informal and carries a conversational, sometimes even dismissive tone. In French, quoi appears in three primary contexts that define its usage patterns.

First, quoi functions as a standalone reaction or exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief. Imagine a friend tells you they sold their bicycle. Your immediate response might be “Quoi?!” (What?!), expressing astonishment. This usage requires no grammatical structure—it stands alone as an interjection.

Second, quoi appears within sentences following prepositions, most commonly à, de, and en. For example, “À quoi tu penses?” (What are you thinking about?) or “De quoi parlez-vous?” (What are you talking about?). This construction maintains its casual register while functioning as a proper interrogative form.

Third, and perhaps most indicative of everyday French, quoi frequently appears at the end of sentences in informal speech. A speaker might ask “Tu fais quoi?” (What are you doing?) rather than the more formal “Que fais-tu?” While this construction is grammatically less formal, it represents authentic French as spoken among friends and family members.

The Formal Question Structure: Que and Qu’

When formality demands precision, French employs que or its contracted form qu’ before vowels. This term functions as the standard question word in formal and grammatically correct French. For instance, “Que faites-vous?” (What do you do?) presents a polished alternative to the casual “Tu fais quoi?”

One significant complication arises with que: it simultaneously translates as both “what” and “that” in English. This dual functionality can confuse learners. When que appears in relative clauses, it often translates as “that” or “which.” Consider the sentence “C’est le livre que j’ai préféré” (This is the book that I liked the most). Here, que functions as a relative pronoun rather than a question word, yet its form remains identical.

Understanding this duality is essential because French grammar sometimes requires que where English does not require its equivalent. The sentence “Que veux-tu que je fasse?” (What do you want me to do?) includes two instances of que, whereas English accomplishes the same meaning with different constructions.

The Universal Phrase: Qu’est-ce Que and Qu’est-ce Qui

Among the most frequently heard expressions in French classrooms and textbooks are qu’est-ce que and qu’est-ce qui. These paired expressions literally translate as “what is (it) that,” though they function as straightforward question words in practice. The contraction occurs because “que est” becomes “qu’est” when the vowel-beginning word “est” follows the consonant-ending “que.”

The distinction between these two expressions hinges on grammatical function. Qu’est-ce que is employed when “what” serves as the object of the verb, receiving the action rather than performing it. The question “Qu’est-ce que tu veux?” (What do you want?) demonstrates this usage—”what” is the object being wanted. Conversely, qu’est-ce qui applies when “what” functions as the subject performing the action. The question “Qu’est-ce qui se passe?” (What’s happening?) illustrates this distinction—”what” is the subject causing the event to happen.

These expressions are remarkably common in spoken French and formal contexts alike. A particularly frequent combination is Qu’est-ce que c’est?, which means “What is this/that?” This phrase has become so ubiquitous that many French learners encounter it before understanding the underlying grammatical principles.

The Selection-Based Inquiry: Quel and Its Variations

When French speakers ask “what” in situations involving choice or selection, they employ quel and its grammatically-determined variants: quelle, quels, and quelles. This word more closely aligns with the English “which” than with “what,” though translation sometimes employs “what” depending on context.

The primary function of quel emerges when multiple options exist and the speaker seeks identification among them. If you ask “Quels sont tes personnages préférés?” (What/Which are your favorite characters?), you’re inviting selection from multiple possibilities. The grammatical gender and number of quel must match the noun it modifies—hence quel with masculine singular nouns, quelle with feminine singular nouns, quels with masculine plural nouns, and quelles with feminine plural nouns.

An intriguing usage emerges when quel or its variants appear with the verb “to be” without an article. In these constructions, the word implies “What a/an,” expressing exclamation rather than inquiry. For example, “Quel jour magnifique!” translates as “What a magnificent day!” rather than asking an actual question. This usage transforms quel from a question word into an exclamatory adjective.

The Relative Clause Approach: Ce Que, Ce Qui, and Ce Dont

French employs a trio of expressions—ce que, ce qui, and ce dont—for situations where “what” functions within relative clauses rather than as a direct question. These are indefinite relative pronouns that refer to undefined antecedents. Consider the sentence “Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat” (What I love is chocolate). Here, “what” introduces information about an undefined object—in this case, the speaker’s preference for chocolate.

The logic governing these three expressions mirrors that of qu’est-ce que versus qu’est-ce qui. Ce qui functions when “what” serves as the subject of the clause, while ce que applies when “what” is the object. The third member, ce dont, appears when the clause requires the preposition de (of), as in “Ce dont tu as besoin” (What you need/That which you need).

A defining characteristic of these expressions is their necessity within French sentences. Unlike some optional elements in French grammar, ce que, ce qui, and ce dont cannot be omitted without creating grammatical errors or altering meaning. They simultaneously serve to introduce additional information about a concept and to define something not yet fully specified.

Practical Usage Comparison Table

Why French Creates Multiple Distinctions

The existence of seven different ways to express “what” reflects fundamental differences in how French organizes grammatical relationships. Rather than employing a universal question word like English, French assigns specific terms to specific grammatical positions. This design choice offers precision—each word signals not only that a question is being asked, but also the grammatical role of the unknown element. For learners, recognizing these patterns transforms what initially appears as complexity into logical consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I use quoi instead of que?

A: Use quoi in informal contexts and everyday conversation, particularly when speaking with friends or in casual settings. Use que in formal situations, professional contexts, and written communication. In informal speech, quoi at the end of sentences (“Tu fais quoi?”) is entirely natural, while formal French prefers “Que fais-tu?”

Q: What’s the difference between qu’est-ce que and qu’est-ce qui?

A: The distinction depends on whether “what” is the object or subject of the verb. Use qu’est-ce que when “what” receives the action (“Qu’est-ce que tu aimes?” – What do you like?). Use qu’est-ce qui when “what” performs the action (“Qu’est-ce qui se passe?” – What is happening?).

Q: How do I know which form of quel to use?

A: The form of quel depends on the gender and number of the noun it modifies. Quel precedes masculine singular nouns, quelle precedes feminine singular nouns, quels precedes masculine plural nouns, and quelles precedes feminine plural nouns. For example: “Quel livre?” (What book – masculine) versus “Quelle heure?” (What time – feminine).

Q: When do I use ce que versus ce qui?

A: These terms function similarly to qu’est-ce que versus qu’est-ce qui, but within relative clauses. Use ce que when “what” is the object receiving the action, and ce qui when “what” is the subject performing the action. For example: “Ce que j’aime” (What I like – object) versus “Ce qui m’intéresse” (What interests me – subject).

Q: Is quel used for both questions and exclamations?

A: Yes, quel and its variants can function as both. As a question word, it asks for selection: “Quel est ton couleur préférée?” (What is your favorite color?). As an exclamatory adjective, it expresses emotion: “Quel beau coucher de soleil!” (What a beautiful sunset!).

Written by

Sneha Tete

• Integrated M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Hyderabad
• 5+ years in editorial, instructional, SEO, and research-based writing

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to theskillvault,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living. Her writing and insights reflect the belief that beauty, happiness, and wellness…