adverbconjunctionpronoun

que

that · what

C'est un mot qui relie deux parties d'une phrase pour donner plus d'informations sur une personne, une chose ou une action.

The word "que" in French serves as a conjunction, pronoun, and adverb, and it is one of the most common words in the language.

Conjunction: As a conjunction, “que” means "that" and is used to introduce subordinate clauses. For example:
- J'ai dit que tu venais. (I said that you were coming.)
Pronoun: "Que" can also function as a pronoun, meaning "what" or "which" in dependent clauses. For example:
- Je ne sais pas ce que tu veux. (I don't know what you want.)
Adverbial use: In some expressions, “que” can mean "how" in exclamatory phrases. For example:
- Que c'est beau! (How beautiful it is!)

Synonyms and Differences:

“Qui”: This word means "who" and is used when referring to people as subjects in sentences.
“Lequel”: Translates to "which" in a more specific context and is often used for choosing among specific options, while "que" is broader.
“Ce que”: This translates to "what" in a neutral way and is often used to refer back to situations or ideas rather than objects.

The use of "que" is essential in forming complex sentences, making it a fundamental part of French grammar that connects thoughts and details fluidly. The choice between "que" and its synonyms depends on the specific context of the sentence.