Asking questions is essential in French. It helps you introduce yourself, ask for information, and keep conversations moving. This lesson covers simple question patterns that beginners can use immediately.
Useful everyday questions
- Comment ca va ? = How are you?
- Comment tu t’appelles ? = What is your name?
- Ou habites-tu ? = Where do you live?
- Quel age as-tu ? = How old are you?
- Que fais-tu ? = What are you doing?
- Pourquoi apprends-tu le francais ? = Why are you learning French?
Three simple ways to ask questions
- Intonation: You raise your voice at the end. Example: Tu parles francais ?
- Est-ce que: Very common and beginner-friendly. Example: Est-ce que tu parles francais ?
- Inversion: More formal. Example: Parles-tu francais ?
Example dialogue
A: Comment tu t’appelles ?
B: Je m’appelle Sarah.
A: Ou habites-tu ?
B: J’habite a Lyon.
Mini practice
Turn these into French questions:
- What is your name?
- Where do you live?
- Do you like French music?
Suggested answers: Comment tu t’appelles ?, Ou habites-tu ?, Est-ce que tu aimes la musique francaise ?