How do you say "What's wrong with her?" in French?

"What's wrong with her?" in French is "Qu'est-ce qu'elle a ?". This phrase is commonly used in France.

❓🤒

How to Say ‘What's wrong with her?’ in French

Q: What does "Qu'est-ce qu'elle a ?" mean in English?

"Qu'est-ce qu'elle a ?" means "What's wrong with her?" in English. Usage tip: A super natural vet question. Literally: What is it that she has? French question logic can sound dramatic, but it's very normal.

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a ?

k ay suh k ell ah

[k ay suh k ell ah]

💬 Usage Tip: A super natural vet question. Literally: What is it that she has? French question logic can sound dramatic, but it's very normal.

🇫🇷 In France: French vets may ask this directly and briefly. It's not cold; it's just efficient and professional.

Phrase Breakdown

Qu'

[k]

what

Begins the question asking what is wrong with her.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a depuis deux jours ?

What has been wrong with her for two days?

est

[ay]

Part of the fixed question expression qu'est-ce que.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a exactement ?

What exactly is wrong with her?

-ce

[suh]

this

Part of the question frame; together with qu'est-ce que it means what.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a ce matin ?

What is wrong with her this morning?

qu'

[k]

that

Contracts before elle in the question structure qu'elle.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a quand elle respire ?

What is wrong with her when she breathes?

Elle a

ell ah

she has

Simple present form of “avoir,” used to ask about her condition.

Example

Elle a faim.

She is hungry.

Words in this phrase

elle

[ell]

she

Refers to the hen being examined.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a aujourd'hui ?

What is wrong with her today?

[ah]

has

Used here idiomatically in French to ask what problem or illness she has.

Example

Qu'est-ce qu'elle a depuis hier soir ?

What has she had since yesterday evening?

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant scenarios were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”

Tom H., 38, Chef

“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”

Nina W., 29, Graduate Student

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer