Published February 24, 2024 • Updated May 22, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Que — Meaning and Pronunciation
Que is one of the most common and important words in French. Depending on the context, it can mean “what”, “that”, “than”, “only”, or even “how” in exclamations. You’ll see que used to ask questions (Que fais-tu ? — What are you doing?), connect ideas (Je pense que… — I think that…), make comparisons (plus vite que — faster than), and introduce the subjunctive (Je veux que tu viennes — I want you to come).
IPA pronunciation of que is /kə/ (IPA), which sounds like “kuh”.
Example Sentences
1. What? — Asking a question
Que fais-tu ce weekend ?
What are you doing this weekend?
2. Relative pronoun (that / which)
La voiture que je conduis est très rapide.
The car that I drive is very fast.
3. Introducing a statement
Je pense que tu as tort.
I think you’re wrong.
4. Making comparisons
Je marche plus vite que toi.
I walk faster than you.
5. Subjunctive trigger
Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs.
I want you to do your homework.
6. Ne… que — Meaning “only”
Je n’ai que cinq euros sur moi.
I only have 5 euros on me.
7. Exclamation with que
Que cette femme est belle !
This lady is so beautiful!
8. Whether / no matter if
Qu‘il pleuve ou qu’il neige, j’arrive demain.
Whether it rains or snows, I’m arriving tomorrow.
Que means “what” but the various way to say “what” gets tricky.
💡 See also: 7 ways to say what in French »
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Related Words and Expressions
If you want to expand your vocabulary or master similar French structures, explore these related terms and lessons:
- est-ce que — question marker
- qu’est-ce que — what
- ce que — what / that which
- parce que — because
- tant que — as long as
- ne… que — only
- que ce soit — whether it be / any
- quoi que — whatever / although
- bien que — although
📚 Related lessons
👉 Asking questions »
👉 French subjunctive »
👉 Comparative and superlative »
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