French interrogative pronouns are used to ask specific questions about people, things, places, time, manner, quantity, etc. Here’s a detailed description of the French interrogative pronouns “où” (where), “quand” (when), and “combien” (how much/how many), including definitions and examples:
1. “Où” (Where)
Definition
“Où” is used to ask about a place or location. It is used to inquire about the location of something or someone.
Examples
- Où est la bibliothèque ?
(Where is the library?) - Où allons-nous ce soir ?
(Where are we going tonight?) - Où as-tu mis mes clés ?
(Where did you put my keys?)
2. “Quand” (When)
Definition
“Quand” is used to ask about time. It inquires about when something will happen or when an event occurred.
Examples
- Quand est-ce que le film commence ?
(When does the movie start?) - Quand as-tu prévu de partir en vacances ?
(When do you plan to go on vacation?) - Quand est ton anniversaire ?
(When is your birthday?)
3. “Combien” (How Much / How Many)
Definition
“Combien” is used to ask about quantity or amount. It can be used to inquire about how much of something there is or how many items there are.
Examples
- Combien de pommes as-tu ?
(How many apples do you have?) - Combien coûte ce livre ?
(How much does this book cost?) - Combien de temps faut-il pour arriver à Paris ?
(How much time does it take to get to Paris?)
Summary Table
| Pronoun | Definition | Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Où | Asks about place or location | Où est la bibliothèque ? | Where is the library? |
| Quand | Asks about time | Quand est-ce que le film commence ? | When does the movie start? |
| Combien | Asks about quantity or amount | Combien de pommes as-tu ? | How many apples do you have? |
Usage in Context
- “Où” (Where)
- A: Où se trouve le restaurant ?
(Where is the restaurant?) - B: Il est sur la rue principale.
(It is on Main Street.)
- A: Où se trouve le restaurant ?
- “Quand” (When)
- A: Quand dois-je rendre ce livre ?
(When should I return this book?) - B: Tu dois le rendre avant vendredi.
(You should return it before Friday.)
- A: Quand dois-je rendre ce livre ?
- “Combien” (How Much / How Many)
- A: Combien de personnes viennent à la fête ?
(How many people are coming to the party?) - B: Il y aura environ vingt personnes.
(There will be about twenty people.)
- A: Combien de personnes viennent à la fête ?
Understanding these interrogative pronouns helps in forming precise and meaningful questions in French, enhancing both your comprehension and communication skills.