All the basics
First sentences, read 13 of 15, 2 min
Asking questions
Poser des questions
There's an easy way to ask almost anything. You don't need to change the word order at first.
Three ways to ask a yes-or-no question
All three mean the same thing. The first is the easiest and very common: just raise your voice at the end. The second works everywhere. The third is formal and mostly written.
- Tu parles français ?voice goes upDo you speak French?
- Est-ce que tu parles français ?add est-ce que (ess-kuh)Do you speak French?
- Parlez-vous français ?swap the orderDo you speak French?
The question words
Quel changes to match its noun, but all its forms sound the same unless a vowel follows.
- Qui ?Who?
- Quoi ?What?
- Où ?Where?
- Quand ?When?
- Comment ?How?
- Pourquoi ?Why?
- Combien ?How much, how many?
- Quel ? Quelle ?Which?
In real sentences
Reply to pourquoi with parce que, meaning because.
- Où est la gare ?Where is the station?
- Comment ça va ?How are you?
- Qu'est-ce que c'est ?What is it?
- C'est combien ?How much is it?
- Quand est-ce que tu arrives ?When are you arriving?
- Pourquoi tu pars ?Why are you leaving?
The English sound guides are only rough. When they disagree with the voice, go with the voice.