Understanding how to ask “What do you mean?” in French is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. This phrase is essential for clarifying ambiguities, seeking further explanation, and ensuring mutual understanding in conversations.
This article provides a detailed exploration of various ways to translate and use this phrase in French, catering to different contexts and levels of formality. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the necessary tools to confidently navigate French conversations and express your need for clarification.
This article is designed for English speakers learning French, French language students, travelers to French-speaking countries, and anyone who wants to improve their French conversational skills. By mastering the nuances of expressing “What do you mean?” you’ll enhance your ability to engage in meaningful exchanges and avoid misunderstandings in a variety of situations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
- Types of Phrases: Formal vs. Informal
- Examples in Various Contexts
- Usage Rules and Grammar Tips
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
The phrase “What do you mean?” is used to request clarification or further explanation when something is unclear or ambiguous. In French, there are several ways to express this, each with its own nuances and level of formality.
The most common translations include:
- Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? (Informal)
- Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? (Formal)
- Que voulez-vous dire ? (More formal, inversion)
- Tu veux dire quoi ? (Very informal)
- Vous voulez dire quoi ? (Informal, using “vous”)
These phrases serve the same basic function as “What do you mean?” in English, but the choice of which one to use depends on the context, your relationship with the speaker, and the desired level of politeness. Each variation emphasizes different aspects of the question, from direct inquiry to more polite requests for clarification.
Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? (Informal)
This is one of the most common and versatile ways to ask “What do you mean?” in French. Let’s break down its structure:
- Qu’est-ce que: This translates to “What is it that…” and is a common way to form questions in French.
- tu: This is the informal pronoun “you.”
- veux: This is the conjugation of the verb vouloir (to want) in the tu form.
- dire: This is the infinitive form of the verb “to say” or “to mean.”
The entire phrase literally translates to “What is it that you want to say?” but it’s understood as “What do you mean?”
Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? (Formal)
This phrase is the formal equivalent of the previous one. The difference lies in the pronoun used:
- Qu’est-ce que: Remains the same, “What is it that…”
- vous: This is the formal pronoun “you.”
- voulez: This is the conjugation of the verb vouloir in the vous form.
- dire: Remains the same, “to say” or “to mean.”
Using vous instead of tu shows respect and is appropriate when speaking to someone older, someone you don’t know well, or someone in a position of authority.
Que voulez-vous dire ? (More formal, inversion)
This is a more formal variation that uses subject-verb inversion. It’s considered more elegant and is often used in writing or in more formal speaking situations.
- Que: This is a shortened form of Quoi (what).
- voulez-vous: Here, the verb vouloir is conjugated in the vous form and placed before the pronoun vous. This is the inversion.
- dire: Remains the same, “to say” or “to mean.”
Inversion is a common feature of formal French and adds a layer of politeness.
Tu veux dire quoi ? (Very informal)
This is a very informal way of asking “What do you mean?” It’s more direct and should only be used with close friends or family.
- Tu: This is the informal pronoun “you.”
- veux: This is the conjugation of the verb vouloir in the tu form.
- dire: This is the infinitive form of the verb “to say” or “to mean.”
- quoi: This means “what.” It’s placed at the end of the sentence in this informal construction.
The word order is different from the more standard forms, making it sound more casual.
Vous voulez dire quoi ? (Informal, using “vous”)
This phrase is similar in structure to the previous one but uses the formal “vous” pronoun. While using “vous,” the construction remains relatively informal due to the placement of “quoi” at the end of the sentence.
- Vous: This is the formal pronoun “you.”
- voulez: This is the conjugation of the verb vouloir in the vous form.
- dire: This is the infinitive form of the verb “to say” or “to mean.”
- quoi: This means “what.” It’s placed at the end of the sentence in this informal construction.
Although it uses “vous,” placing “quoi” at the end makes it less formal than “Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire?” or “Que voulez-vous dire?”
Types of Phrases: Formal vs. Informal
Formal Phrases
Formal phrases are used when speaking to someone you don’t know well, someone older than you, or someone in a position of authority. They convey respect and politeness.
Examples include:
- Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ?
- Que voulez-vous dire ?
Informal Phrases
Informal phrases are appropriate when speaking to friends, family, or people you know well. They are more casual and relaxed.
Examples include:
- Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ?
- Tu veux dire quoi ?
Semi-Formal Phrases
These phrases offer a middle ground, suitable for situations where a degree of respect is needed but complete formality isn’t necessary. An example includes:
- Vous voulez dire quoi ?
Examples in Various Contexts
Understanding how to use these phrases in different contexts is key to effective communication. Here are some examples categorized by situation:
General Conversation
These examples illustrate how to ask “What do you mean?” in everyday conversations.
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par là ? | What do you mean by that? | Friend explaining a comment. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire exactement ? | What exactly do you mean? | Asking a professor for clarification. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, au juste ? | What exactly do you mean? (informal) | Confused by a friend’s statement. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “optimisation” ? | What do you mean by “optimization”? | Discussing business strategy with a client. |
| Vous voulez dire quoi avec cette remarque ? | What do you mean with that remark? | Responding to a colleague’s comment. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire quand tu dis que c’est “compliqué” ? | What do you mean when you say it’s “complicated”? | Trying to understand a friend’s problem. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “approche holistique” ? | What do you mean by “holistic approach”? | In a professional meeting. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis en retard ? | What do you mean, that I’m late? | Responding defensively to a friend. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “restructuration” de l’entreprise ? | What do you mean by “restructuring” the company? | Asking about company changes. |
| Vous voulez dire quoi, que je dois travailler plus ? | What do you mean, that I have to work more? | Feeling challenged at work. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire quand tu parles de “synergie” ? | What do you mean when you talk about “synergy”? | Trying to understand a buzzword. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “durabilité” ? | What do you mean by “sustainability”? | In a discussion about environmental issues. |
| Tu veux dire quoi exactement ? Je ne comprends pas. | What exactly do you mean? I don’t understand. | Trying to understand a complex explanation. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par ces chiffres ? | What do you mean by these figures? | Analyzing data in a meeting. |
| Vous voulez dire quoi avec cette suggestion ? | What do you mean with this suggestion? | Seeking clarification on a proposal. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par cette métaphore ? | What do you mean by this metaphor? | Discussing literature with a friend. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “nouvelles perspectives” ? | What do you mean by “new perspectives”? | Discussing innovative ideas. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis responsable ? | What do you mean, that I am responsible? | Feeling accused in a discussion. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par cette allusion ? | What do you mean by this allusion? | Trying to understand a subtle reference. |
| Vous voulez dire quoi, que je n’ai pas fait mon travail ? | What do you mean, that I haven’t done my job? | Defending oneself at work. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “c’est compliqué” ? | What do you mean by “it’s complicated”? | Pressing for more details. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “c’est à voir” ? | What do you mean by “we’ll see”? | Seeking a clearer answer. |
| Tu veux dire quoi avec ce sourire ? | What do you mean with that smile? | Trying to understand someone’s reaction. |
Professional Settings
In professional settings, it’s important to use formal language to maintain respect and professionalism.
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Que voulez-vous dire par ces chiffres ? | What do you mean by these figures? | Analyzing financial data in a meeting. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “restructuration” ? | What do you mean by “restructuring”? | Discussing company changes with management. |
| Pourriez-vous préciser ce que vous voulez dire ? | Could you clarify what you mean? | Politely asking for more information during a presentation. |
| Que voulez-vous dire exactement par “synergie” ? | What exactly do you mean by “synergy”? | Seeking clarification on a business term. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “approche innovante” ? | What do you mean by “innovative approach”? | Asking for details about a new strategy. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “optimisation des ressources” ? | What do you mean by “optimizing resources”? | Discussing efficiency improvements. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “nouveaux défis” ? | What do you mean by “new challenges”? | Addressing potential obstacles. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “mise à jour” de la stratégie ? | What do you mean by “updating” the strategy? | Discussing changes to a plan. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “nouvelles perspectives” pour l’entreprise ? | What do you mean by “new perspectives” for the company? | Exploring future opportunities. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “améliorer la performance” ? | What do you mean by “improve performance”? | Discussing goals and metrics. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “solution durable” ? | What do you mean by “sustainable solution”? | Seeking long-term strategies. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “vision à long terme” ? | What do you mean by “long-term vision”? | Discussing the company’s future. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “plan d’action” ? | What do you mean by “action plan”? | Requesting a detailed strategy. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “étude de marché” ? | What do you mean by “market research”? | Discussing market analysis. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “analyse SWOT” ? | What do you mean by “SWOT analysis”? | Clarifying strategic planning. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “indicateurs de performance” ? | What do you mean by “performance indicators”? | Discussing key metrics. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “gestion de projet” ? | What do you mean by “project management”? | Explaining project strategies. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “gestion des risques” ? | What do you mean by “risk management”? | Discussing potential threats. |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “communication interne” ? | What do you mean by “internal communication”? | Discussing company messaging. |
| Que voulez-vous dire par “communication externe” ? | What do you mean by “external communication”? | Discussing public relations. |
Informal Conversations
These examples are appropriate for casual conversations with friends and family.
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? Je suis perdu(e). | What do you mean? I’m lost. | Confused by a friend’s explanation. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, exactement ? | What exactly do you mean? | Trying to understand a vague statement. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “bientôt” ? | What do you mean by “soon”? | Asking for a specific timeframe. |
| Tu veux dire quoi avec cette tête ? | What do you mean with that face? | Reacting to a friend’s expression. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “ça dépend” ? | What do you mean by “it depends”? | Seeking a more definitive answer. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis nul(le) ? | What do you mean, that I’m bad at it? | Feeling insecure about a skill. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “c’est pas grave” ? | What do you mean by “it’s not a big deal”? | Trying to assess the seriousness of a situation. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je dois changer ? | What do you mean, that I have to change? | Feeling criticized by a friend. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “on verra bien” ? | What do you mean by “we’ll see”? | Seeking a more concrete plan. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop sensible ? | What do you mean, that I’m too sensitive? | Reacting to a friend’s observation. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “prends ton temps” ? | What do you mean by “take your time”? | Seeking reassurance in a task. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop naïf(ve) ? | What do you mean, that I’m too naive? | Feeling judged by a friend. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “c’est dommage” ? | What do you mean by “it’s a shame”? | Trying to understand a negative outcome. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop optimiste ? | What do you mean, that I am too optimistic? | Feeling criticized for being positive. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “ce n’est pas si simple” ? | What do you mean by “it’s not that simple”? | Seeking a more detailed explanation. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop pessimiste ? | What do you mean, that I am too pessimistic? | Feeling criticized for being negative. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “il faut voir” ? | What do you mean by “we have to see”? | Seeking more commitment. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop direct(e) ? | What do you mean, that I am too direct? | Feeling criticized for being straightforward. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire par “c’est une question de temps” ? | What do you mean by “it’s a matter of time”? | Seeking reassurance about a future outcome. |
| Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop indécis(e) ? | What do you mean, that I am too indecisive? | Feeling criticized for not making a decision. |
Usage Rules and Grammar Tips
Here are some important rules and tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:
- Choose the right pronoun: Use tu with friends and family, and vous with people you don’t know well or those in a position of authority.
- Consider the context: The level of formality should match the situation. A business meeting requires a more formal approach than a casual conversation.
- Pay attention to word order: In formal questions, inversion is common (e.g., Que voulez-vous dire ?). In informal questions, the word quoi often comes at the end (e.g., Tu veux dire quoi ?).
- Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases and try to emulate their usage.
- Practice: The more you practice using these phrases, the more natural they will become.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that learners often make when asking “What do you mean?” in French:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? / Tu veux dire quoi ? | The word order is incorrect. Quoi cannot directly start a question in this context. | |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? | The preposition à is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. | |
| Vous voulez dire quoi ? | The verb vouloir must be conjugated correctly in the vous form (voulez). | |
| Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? / Que veux-tu dire ? | A question word (Qu’est-ce que or Que) is needed to start the question correctly. | |
| Tu veux dire quoi ? | Quoi is the appropriate word to use at the end of the question. | |
| Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? | The verb vouloir (to want) is needed to convey the meaning of “What do you want to say?” | |
| Que voulez-vous dire ? | Incorrect word order. Inversion is required in formal questions. |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Phrase
Select the most appropriate phrase for each situation.
| Situation | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Asking your professor for clarification. | a) Tu veux dire quoi ? b) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? c) Quoi tu veux dire ? | b) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? |
| Talking to a close friend. | a) Que voulez-vous dire ? b) Tu veux dire quoi ? c) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? | b) Tu veux dire quoi ? |
| In a formal presentation. | a) Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? b) Que voulez-vous dire ? c) Vous voulez dire quoi ? | b) Que voulez-vous dire ? |
| Questioning a colleague’s comment. | a) Tu veux dire quoi ? b) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? c) Vous voulez dire quoi ? | c) Vous voulez dire quoi ? |
| Asking a family member. | a) Que voulez-vous dire ? b) Tu veux dire quoi ? c) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? | b) Tu veux dire quoi ? |
| Seeking clarification from a boss. | a) Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? b) Que voulez-vous dire ? c) Tu veux dire quoi ? | b) Que voulez-vous dire ? |
| Asking a child. | a) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? b) Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? c) Que voulez-vous dire ? | b) Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? |
| Trying to understand a stranger. | a) Tu veux dire quoi ? b) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? c) Vous voulez dire quoi ? | b) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? |
| In a casual meeting with coworkers. | a) Que voulez-vous dire ? b) Vous voulez dire quoi ? c) Tu veux dire quoi ? | b) Vous voulez dire quoi ? |
| Seeking advice from a close confidant. | a) Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire ? b) Tu veux dire quoi ? c) Que voulez-vous dire ? | b) Tu veux dire quoi ? |
Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences
Translate the following sentences into French using the appropriate phrase.
| English Sentence | French Translation |
|---|---|
| What do you mean by that remark? (Formal) | Que voulez-vous dire par cette remarque ? |
| What do you mean exactly? (Informal) | Tu veux dire quoi, exactement ? |
| What do you mean by “soon”? (Formal) | Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “bientôt” ? |
| What do you mean with that face? (Informal) | Tu veux dire quoi avec cette tête ? |
| What do you mean by “it depends”? (Formal) | Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “ça dépend” ? |
| What do you mean, that I’m bad at it? (Informal) | Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis nul(le) ? |
| What do you mean by “it’s not a big deal”? (Formal) | Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “ce n’est pas grave” ? |
| What do you mean, that I have to change? (Informal) | Tu veux dire quoi, que je dois changer ? |
| What do you mean by “we’ll see”? (Formal) | Qu’est-ce que vous voulez dire par “on verra bien” ? |
| What do you mean, that I am too sensitive? (Informal) | Tu veux dire quoi, que je suis trop sensible ? |
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “What do you mean?”.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| ____ tu veux dire par “peut-être” ? | Qu’est-ce que |
| ____ voulez-vous dire avec cette suggestion ? | Que |
| Tu ____ quoi exactement ? | veux dire |
| Qu’est-ce que ____ par “approche holistique” ? | vous voulez dire |
| Vous ____ quoi avec ce sourire ? | voulez dire |
| ____ tu veux dire par “c’est compliqué” ? | Qu’est-ce que |
| ____ voulez-vous dire par ces chiffres ? | Que |
| Tu ____ quoi, au juste ? | veux dire |
| Qu’est-ce que ____ par “synergie” ? | vous voulez dire |
| Vous ____ quoi avec votre remarque ? | voulez dire |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
Beyond the basic translations, there are more nuanced ways to ask for clarification in French. These involve using different verbs, adding qualifiers, or employing idiomatic expressions.
- Pourriez-vous préciser ? (Could you clarify?) This is a polite way to ask for more details.
- Pourriez-vous m’expliquer ? (Could you explain?) This asks for a clearer explanation of something.
- Je ne comprends pas. (I don’t understand.) This is a simple way to indicate that you need clarification.
- Je ne suis pas sûr(e) de comprendre. (I’m not sure I understand.) This is a more polite way of saying you don’t understand.
- Vous voulez dire que…? (You mean that…?) This is used to confirm your understanding of something.
Understanding these nuances will help you navigate more complex conversations and express yourself more precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is “Quoi ?” a valid way to ask “What?” in French?
Yes, but it’s very informal and can be considered rude if used inappropriately. It’s best reserved for close friends and family in casual settings. In most other situations, use “Quoi ?” with caution or opt for more polite alternatives like “Pardon ?” or “Comment ?”.
- How do I make sure I’m being polite when asking for clarification?
Using the formal “vous” form is a good start. You can also add phrases like “S’il vous plaît” (please) or “Pourriez-vous…?” (Could you…?) to soften your request and show respect. For example, “Pourriez-vous m’expliquer, s’il vous plaît ?” (Could you explain to me, please?).
- What’s the difference between “Quoi ?” and “Que ?”
“Quoi” is generally used as a standalone word or at the end of a sentence, while “Que” is used at the beginning of a sentence followed by a verb (e.g., “Que voulez-vous dire ?”). “Que” often contracts to “Qu'” before a vowel (e.g., “Qu’est-ce que…”).
- When should I use inversion in questions?
Inversion is generally used in more formal settings or in writing. It involves placing the verb before the subject pronoun (e.g., “Que voulez-vous dire ?”). Inversion is common with question words like “Que,” “Comment,” “Pourquoi,” and “Où.”
- Can I use “Hein ?” to ask “What?”
Yes, “Hein ?” is an informal way to ask someone to repeat themselves, similar to “Huh?” in English. However, like “Quoi ?”, it can be considered impolite in formal situations. Use it with caution and primarily with people you know well.
- Are there any regional variations in how these phrases are used?
While the core meanings remain consistent, there might be slight regional variations in usage or preferred expressions. For example, some regions might favor certain informal expressions over others. Listening to native speakers from different regions can help you become aware of these nuances.
- How do I respond when someone asks me “Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ?”
Simply rephrase your statement, provide more details, or offer an explanation. You can say something like “Je veux dire que…” (I mean that…) followed by your clarification.
- Is it okay to use English words if I don’t know the French equivalent?
While it’s sometimes unavoidable, try to avoid using English words excessively. If you don’t know the French word, try describing what you mean or asking the other person for the French word. This shows that you’re making an effort to learn and communicate effectively.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of asking “What do you mean?” in French is a significant step toward fluent and effective communication. By understanding the various phrases, their nuances, and appropriate contexts, you can confidently navigate conversations and ensure mutual understanding.
Remember to consider the level of formality required by the situation and choose your words accordingly. Practice using these phrases regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification when needed.