Qu'est-ce que
What
Language note: Interrogative phrase to ask questions.
Context: Paul wants to know more about what Marie did during her busy day.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Qu'
[kə]
What
Used to ask for information about something.
Qu'est-ce que tu fais ce soir ?
What are you doing this evening?
est
[ɛ]
is
Used to describe or identify.
Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
What is it?
-ce
[s]
it
Refers to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça ?
What is that?
que
[kə]
that
Used to specify a person or thing being referred to.
Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire ?
What do you mean?
Phrase Parts
Qu'
kes-kuh
What
Used to ask for information.
Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
What is that?
est-ce
eh
is it
Part of a phrase used in questions.
Est-ce possible ?
Is it possible?
que
kuh
that
Used to introduce relative clauses.
Je sais que tu sais.
I know that you know.
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