What in French: How to Say What and Ask Questions

"What" in French isn't always "quoi." Sometimes it's "que" or "quel"—and the difference matters. Here's how to use each one correctly.

The Basics: Three Ways to Say "What"

1. "Quoi" (What)

• Used at the end of sentences
• Casual, informal contexts
• When asking "what" as a standalone question

2. "Que" (What/That)

• Used at the beginning of questions
• Formal and informal
• With inversion or "est-ce que"

3. "Quel/Quelle/Quels/Quelles" (What/Which)

• Used before nouns
• Asks "which" or "what kind"
• Agrees with gender and number

When to Use Each

Use "Quoi" When:

• At the end of sentences
• Casual conversation
• Tu fais quoi? — What are you doing?
• C'est quoi? — What is it?

Use "Que" When:

• Beginning formal questions
• With "est-ce que"
• Qu'est-ce que c'est? — What is it?
• Que fais-tu? — What are you doing? (formal)

Use "Quel/Quelle" When:

• Before nouns
• Asking "which" or "what kind"
• Quel livre? — Which book? (masculine)
• Quelle voiture? — Which car? (feminine)

Common Question Patterns

With "Quoi"

• Tu veux quoi? — What do you want?
• C'est quoi? — What is it?

With "Que" + Est-Ce Que

• Qu'est-ce que tu fais? — What are you doing?
• Qu'est-ce que c'est? — What is it?

With "Quel/Quelle"

• Quel âge as-tu? — How old are you? (What age do you have?)
• Quelle heure est-il? — What time is it?

Grammar Notes

"Quel" Agreement

• Quel (masculine singular) — quel livre
• Quelle (feminine singular) — quelle voiture
• Quels (masculine plural) — quels livres
• Quelles (feminine plural) — quelles voitures

"Qu'est-ce que" vs "Quel"

• Qu'est-ce que = what (asking about actions or things)
• Quel = which/what kind (asking about specific items)

Quick Practice (5 Minutes)

1. Ask 3 questions using "quoi" (casual).
2. Ask 3 questions using "que" or "qu'est-ce que."
3. Ask 3 questions using "quel/quelle."

Examples:

• "Tu fais quoi?" (casual)
• "Qu'est-ce que tu veux?" (standard)
• "Quel livre préfères-tu?" (which book)

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Using "quoi" at the beginning → Use "que" or "quel"
• ❌ Forgetting "quel" agreement → Must match gender/number
• ❌ Mixing up "que" and "quoi" → Position matters

Master French Questions

The best way to master "what" in French is through practice. Ask questions regularly, get feedback on your usage, and learn when each form feels natural. Try Parlai and practice French questions through authentic conversations, available 24/7.