Question Words

1. Quoi ?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   Blunt on its own; "Pardon ?" or "Comment ?" is the polite way to ask someone to repeat

2. Où ?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Quand ?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Qui ?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Pourquoi ?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Comment ?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Combien ?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   "Combien" covers both count and amount; before a noun it becomes "combien de"

8. Combien ça coûte ?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Lequel ?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Masculine form; feminine "laquelle", plurals "lesquels / lesquelles"

10. Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Où sont les toilettes ?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Toilettes" is always feminine plural — never singular

12. Quelle heure est-il ?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Vous en avez ?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    "En" stands in for the item; naming it gives "Vous avez des timbres ?"

14. C'est possible ?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. C'est payant ?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. C'est gratuit ?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. C'est bon ?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. C'est interdit ?

    Is it forbidden?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Vous allez bien ?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "C'est bon ?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "vous"; with friends people say "Ça va ?" instead

20. Vraiment ?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Vous êtes sûr(e) ?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Vraiment ?"

    Grammar Note

    "Sûr" is masculine; the feminine spelling is "sûre" (pronounced the same)

22. Vous venez d'où ?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Comment vous appelez-vous ?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    Literally "What do you call yourself?"; with friends say "Tu t'appelles comment ?"

24. Quel âge avez-vous ?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive in France; better saved until you know them a little

25. On peut prendre une photo ensemble ?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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