pronoms interrogatifs grammar in French

Language: French
Level: B1
Unit: Pronoms
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

In French, 'pronoms interrogatifs' are words used to ask questions about people or things. They help you find out information by replacing the noun you are asking about.

When to use it

Use these pronouns when you want to ask questions about a person, an object, or a choice among several options. They can be used at the beginning of a question or after a preposition.

Key forms

qui
que / qu'
quoi
lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles

Examples

Qui parle ?

English: Who is speaking?

Que veux-tu ?

English: What do you want?

Avec quoi écris-tu ?

English: With what are you writing?

Lequel préfères-tu ?

English: Which one do you prefer?

Tips

Use 'qui' for people and 'que' or 'quoi' for things.
'Que' is usually used at the beginning of a sentence, while 'quoi' comes after a preposition.
'Lequel' changes form depending on gender and number: lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles.

Exceptions and edge cases

'Quoi' is not used at the start of a direct question. Use 'que' instead.
'Qui' can also mean 'whom' when used after a preposition (e.g., 'À qui parles-tu ?').