Latest / Learn French with Fexingo / French Asking What Something Is with Qu'est-ce que c'est
Transcript
- Lucas: Hey Luna, ready for another French adventure? Luna: So ready. But first, I need to ask you something. Lucas: Go for it. Luna: When I'm walking around and I see something new, how do I ask what it is in French? Lucas: Oh, that's a great question. The phrase is 'Qu'est-ce que c'est?' — it means 'What is it?' or 'What's this?' Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: Exactly. Qu'est-ce que c'est? Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? I love how it sounds, even if it's a mouthful. Lucas: It is, but it's super useful. Let's break it down. You can use it for anything you see. Luna: So if I point at something and say that, people will understand? Lucas: Absolutely. And then they'll answer with 'C'est un' for masculine things, or 'C'est une' for feminine things. Luna: So 'C'est un' and 'C'est une'. Lucas: Right. For example, 'C'est un chat' — that's 'It's a cat'. Luna: C'est un chat. But what if it's a woman cat? Wait, no, that doesn't matter here. Lucas: Actually, for a female cat, you could say 'une chatte', but let's keep it simple. 'Chat' is masculine, so 'un chat'. Luna: Okay. So 'C'est un chat' for a cat. Lucas: And for a feminine thing like an apple, it's 'C'est une pomme'. Luna: C'est une pomme. That's 'It's an apple'. Lucas: Perfect. So now imagine you're at the market, you see a strange fruit, and you ask 'Qu'est-ce que c'est?' Luna: And they answer 'C'est une pomme' or something. Lucas: Exactly. Let's practice a tiny scene. I'll point at something imaginary. Luna: Okay. Lucas: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Luna: C'est un livre. Lucas: Yes! A book. 'Un livre' is masculine. Luna: And what about a car? 'Une voiture', right? Lucas: Exactly. 'C'est une voiture.' Luna: C'est une voiture. So easy. Lucas: You're picking this up quickly. You know, this kind of phrase is so useful in daily life. Luna: Totally. I can imagine using it all the time. Lucas: And if you're enjoying these little lessons, we'd love it if you supported the show. A couple of dollars a month at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo genuinely keeps these episodes going. Luna: Yeah, every little bit helps. We want to keep making these for you. Lucas: So back to our phrases. Let's do a quick review. 'Qu'est-ce que c'est?' Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: And when you answer, 'C'est un' or 'C'est une'. Luna: So 'C'est un chat' and 'C'est une pomme'. Lucas: Nice. Let's try one more. What if you see something really big? Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: And the answer could be 'C'est une voiture'. Luna: Got it. So 'C'est une voiture' for a car. Lucas: Perfect. Now let's mix it up a bit. What about asking about something you hear, not see? Luna: Oh, good point. But is the phrase the same? Lucas: Yes, you can still use 'Qu'est-ce que c'est?' for sounds too. Like if you hear a strange noise. Luna: So it's really versatile. Great. Lucas: Absolutely. Let's do a quick role-play. I'll be a tourist, and you're a local. Luna: Okay. Lucas: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Luna: C'est un livre. Lucas: Perfect. You're a natural. Luna: Thanks. This is fun. I feel like I could ask about anything now. Lucas: That's the spirit. Remember, 'Qu'est-ce que c'est?' is your go-to question. Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: And answers like 'C'est un chat' or 'C'est une voiture' will come in handy. Luna: C'est un chat. C'est une voiture. Got it. Lucas: You're doing great. Let's do one final listen and repeat. I'll say the phrase, you say it back. Lucas: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: C'est un livre. Luna: C'est un livre. Lucas: C'est une pomme. Luna: C'est une pomme. Lucas: C'est une voiture. Luna: C'est une voiture. Lucas: Fantastic. Now, before we go, let's do a quick challenge. I'll describe something, and you ask what it is. Luna: Okay. Lucas: It's small, gray, and has a tail. Luna: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Lucas: C'est un chat. Good job. Luna: That was fun. Lucas: And that's our show for today. Remember to practice these phrases, and we'll see you next time. Luna: Bye for now, and happy learning with Fexingo.