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How to Say ‘What is it that’ in French

Qu'est-ce que

keh eh suh kuh

[keh eh suh kuh]

💬 Usage Tip: Common beginner phrase for questions.

🇫🇷 In France: Starting questions with 'Qu'est-ce que' is conversationally engaging.

Phrase Breakdown

Qu'

[keh]

What

Used for asking about something.

Example

Qu'est-ce que tu cherches ?

What are you looking for?

est-ce

eh suh

(it) is

A phrase construction for questions.

Example

Est-ce possible ?

Is it possible?

Words in this phrase

est

[eh]

is

Third-person singular present of 'be'.

Example

Qu'est-ce qui est important pour toi ?

What is important for you?

-ce

[suh]

this

Used to refer to a person or thing close to the speaker.

Example

Qu'est-ce que c'est, cela ?

What is this?

que

[kuh]

that

Used to identify a specific thing or person mentioned or understood.

Example

Qu'est-ce que tu fais là ?

What are you doing there?

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