- Forum >
- Topic: French >
- "Est-ce que" vs "Est-ce"
"Est-ce que" vs "Est-ce"
2457
I was under the impression that the phrase "Est-ce que" was an invariable phrase turning the sentence into a question, and that the sentence would have the exact same meaning in its absence...
But I'm starting to see "Est-ce" a lot more often in duo lessons....I had assumed that adding the "que" at the end was mandatory but I'm not so sure any more.
If any one could explain the difference and when we can add and omit the second 'que' I'm sure it could cure my half week long headache about the issue.
Cheers! :)
28 Comments
580
1) "Est-ce que" is followed by a verb. Ex. "Est-ce que tu travailles ?" but, it is better to say "Travailles-tu ?" = Are you working? Do you work?
2) "Est-ce" is followed by a noun, a pronoun.... Ex. "Est-ce un oiseau ? Is it a bird? "Est-ce ta couleur préférée ?" Is it you favourite colour?
345
Thank you for that! I've lost a few hearts over this and now I finally see the difference!
82
For what it's worth, Alexis, the questions skill is what drove me to dig up (and drop a fair chunk of money on) French grammar workbooks and phone apps because DL's instructions alone just weren't cutting it, resulting in much confusion and frustration on my part. Just saying, you're not alone. :)
580
Yes "est-ce que" implies "est-ce vrai ? = Is it true?" so, it cannot be translated in French by "est-ce vrai ?" Ex. Do you like classical music ? = aimes-tu la musique classique OR est-ce que tu aimes la musique classique BUT NOT est-ce vrai que tu aimes la musique classique. In this last case the translation = Is is true that you like classical music?
345
Thank you for that! I've always translated it as "Is it that..." but it sounds a lot more natural to me to say "Is it true that..."
2457
"Est-ce que tu aimes la musique classique ?" Translation "Do you like classical music?" - For all intents and purposes you may as well translate Est-ce que as "To do + subject", for example..."Do you like classical music? Does he like classical music?" etc.