Learning a new language can be an exciting and challenging experience. Whether you are traveling to a French-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, mastering the basics of French can be a great way to add value to your personal and professional life. In this article, we will explore the question of how to say “what will you do” in French.
The French translation of “what will you do” is “que feras-tu”. This phrase can be useful in a variety of situations, from making plans with friends to discussing future career goals. By learning this basic phrase, you can start to build your French vocabulary and feel more confident in your ability to communicate in this beautiful language.
How Do You Pronounce The French Word For “What Will You Do”?
Learning how to properly pronounce French words can be a challenge, but with practice and the right tools, it can be done. One common phrase that you may want to know how to say in French is “what will you do.” Here’s a breakdown of how to pronounce this phrase:
Phonetic Breakdown
The French phrase for “what will you do” is “que feras-tu.” Here’s how to break down the pronunciation:
| Sound | Phonetic Spelling |
|---|---|
| q | k |
| u | y |
| e | uh |
| f | ff |
| e | uh |
| r | rr |
| a | ah |
| s | s |
| t | t |
| u | y |
Tips For Pronunciation
Here are a few tips for properly pronouncing “que feras-tu”:
- Pay attention to the “q” sound at the beginning of the phrase. It’s pronounced like a “k” sound, not a “kw” sound.
- Make sure to pronounce the “e” in “que” like an “uh” sound.
- When pronouncing the “r” in “feras,” make sure to roll your tongue slightly.
- Remember to pronounce the final “u” in “tu” like a “y” sound.
Practice saying this phrase slowly and carefully, paying attention to each sound and how it’s pronounced. With practice, you’ll be able to say “que feras-tu” like a native French speaker!
Proper Grammatical Use Of The French Word For “What Will You Do”
Grammar is an essential aspect of learning any language, and French is no exception. When using the French word for “what will you do,” it is important to understand its proper grammatical use to effectively communicate with native French speakers.
Placement Of The French Word For “What Will You Do” In Sentences
The French word for “what will you do” is “que ferez-vous.” In sentences, it is typically placed at the beginning or end of a question. For example:
- “Que ferez-vous ce soir?” (What will you do tonight?)
- “Je me demande que ferez-vous demain.” (I wonder what you will do tomorrow.)
It is important to note that the word order in French is different from English. In French, the subject typically comes after the verb.
Verb Conjugations Or Tenses
When using the French word for “what will you do,” it is important to use the correct verb conjugation or tense. The verb “faire,” which means “to do,” is typically used in the future tense to form the phrase “que ferez-vous.” For example:
- “Que ferez-vous demain?” (What will you do tomorrow?)
- “Je me demande ce que vous ferez ce week-end.” (I wonder what you will do this weekend.)
Agreement With Gender And Number
In French, adjectives and articles must agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify. However, the French word for “what will you do” does not change based on gender or number.
Common Exceptions
There are a few common exceptions to the proper grammatical use of the French word for “what will you do.” For example, in informal speech, it is common to use the phrase “tu vas faire quoi?” instead of “que feras-tu?”
It is also important to note that the French language has many irregular verbs, which may not follow the standard conjugation rules. When using the French word for “what will you do” with irregular verbs, it is important to learn the specific conjugation for each verb.
Examples Of Phrases Using The French Word For “What Will You Do”
French is a beautiful language, and learning it can be a rewarding experience. One of the most important aspects of learning any language is being able to communicate effectively. In this section, we will explore some common phrases that include the French word for “what will you do,” and provide examples of how they are used in sentences. We will also provide some example French dialogue (with translations) using the French word for “what will you do.”
Common Phrases
Here are some common phrases that include the French word for “what will you do”:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Que vas-tu faire ? | What will you do? |
| Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire ? | What are you going to do? |
| Que feras-tu ? | What will you do? |
| Qu’est-ce que tu feras ? | What will you do? |
These phrases are all asking the same question, but are worded slightly differently. It’s important to note that the word order in French is different than in English, so it’s important to pay attention to the structure of the sentence.
Examples In Sentences
Here are some examples of how these phrases can be used in sentences:
- Que vas-tu faire ce soir ? (What will you do tonight?)
- Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire demain matin ? (What are you going to do tomorrow morning?)
- Que feras-tu pendant tes vacances ? (What will you do during your vacation?)
- Qu’est-ce que tu feras ce weekend ? (What will you do this weekend?)
As you can see, these phrases can be used in a variety of situations to ask someone what their plans are.
Example Dialogue
Here is an example dialogue using the French word for “what will you do”:
Marie: Salut, Julien ! Comment vas-tu ?
Julien: Ça va bien, merci. Et toi ?
Marie: Ça va bien aussi. Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire ce soir ?
Julien: Je vais aller au cinéma. Et toi ?
Marie: Je vais rester à la maison et lire un livre.
This dialogue is a simple conversation between two friends. The first question asked is “Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire ce soir ?” which means “What will you do tonight?” Julien responds by saying that he’s going to the cinema, and then asks Marie what she’s going to do. She responds by saying that she’s going to stay at home and read a book.
More Contextual Uses Of The French Word For “What Will You Do”
When it comes to the French word for “what will you do,” there are a variety of contexts in which it can be used. While it is commonly used in everyday conversation, there are also formal and informal uses, as well as slang, idiomatic expressions, and cultural/historical uses. Below we will explore some of the various contexts in which this word can be used.
Formal Usage
In formal contexts, such as business or academic settings, the French word for “what will you do” is often used in a more structured and polite way. In this context, it is common to use the phrase “Que ferez-vous?” which translates to “What will you do?” This phrase is often used when discussing future plans, goals, or projects.
Informal Usage
When used in informal settings, such as with friends or family, the French word for “what will you do” can take on a more casual tone. In this context, it is common to use the phrase “Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire?” which translates to “What are you going to do?” This phrase is often used when discussing weekend plans or activities with friends.
Other Contexts
In addition to formal and informal usage, the French word for “what will you do” can also be used in other contexts, such as slang, idiomatic expressions, or cultural/historical uses. For example:
- Slang: In some regions of France, it is common to use the slang phrase “Qu’est-ce tu branles?” which translates to “What are you doing?” This phrase is often used in a more confrontational or aggressive way.
- Idiomatic Expressions: In French, there are a number of idiomatic expressions that use the phrase “what will you do.” For example, “Que voulez-vous que j’y fasse?” which translates to “What do you want me to do about it?”
- Cultural/Historical Uses: In French literature and poetry, the phrase “what will you do” is often used as a metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. This can be seen in works such as Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” and Charles Baudelaire’s “Les Fleurs du Mal.”
Popular Cultural Usage
One popular cultural usage of the French word for “what will you do” can be found in the classic French film “Breathless” (À bout de souffle). In this film, the main character, Michel, played by Jean-Paul Belmondo, frequently uses the phrase “Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire?” in a nonchalant and carefree way.
Regional Variations Of The French Word For “What Will You Do”
French is spoken in many countries around the world, and each region has its own unique dialect. This means that words can be pronounced differently and have different meanings depending on where you are. The French word for “what will you do” is no exception to this rule.
Regional Usage
The French word for “what will you do” is “que feras-tu,” but this is not the only way to express this question. In Quebec, Canada, for example, the phrase “qu’est-ce que tu vas faire” is commonly used instead. In many African countries where French is spoken, the phrase “qu’est-ce que tu comptes faire” is more common.
It’s important to note that these regional variations are not considered incorrect or improper. They are simply different ways of expressing the same question.
Regional Pronunciations
Not only do different regions use different phrases to express “what will you do,” but they also have different ways of pronouncing these phrases. For example, in Quebec, the phrase “qu’est-ce que tu vas faire” is pronounced with a slight nasal tone, while in France, the phrase “que feras-tu” is pronounced with a more rounded sound.
Here is a table that outlines some of the regional variations in pronunciation:
| Region | Phrase | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| France | Que feras-tu | keh fuh-rah too |
| Quebec, Canada | Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire | kess-kuh tu vah fair |
| African French-speaking countries | Qu’est-ce que tu comptes faire | kess-kuh tu komt fair |
Other Uses Of The French Word For “What Will You Do” In Speaking & Writing
While the French phrase “que feras-tu” directly translates to “what will you do,” it can have various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some other uses of this French phrase:
1. Asking For Plans Or Intentions
The most common use of “que feras-tu” is to ask someone about their plans or intentions for the future. For example, you might ask:
- Que feras-tu ce soir? (What will you do tonight?)
- Que feras-tu pendant les vacances? (What will you do during the holidays?)
When used in this way, the phrase is straightforward and easy to understand.
2. Expressing Surprise Or Disbelief
Another use of “que feras-tu” is to express surprise or disbelief. In this case, the phrase is often accompanied by an exclamation mark and used as a rhetorical question. For example:
- Que feras-tu si tu gagnes à la loterie? (What will you do if you win the lottery?!)
- Que feras-tu si tu vois un éléphant dans la rue? (What will you do if you see an elephant in the street?!)
In this context, the question is not meant to be answered literally. Instead, it is used to convey a sense of surprise or disbelief at the hypothetical scenario being presented.
3. Making A Point Or Challenging Someone
A less common use of “que feras-tu” is to make a point or challenge someone’s actions or decisions. In this context, the phrase is often used in a rhetorical or confrontational way. For example:
- Que feras-tu si tu te trompes? (What will you do if you’re wrong?)
- Que feras-tu si tu rates ton examen? (What will you do if you fail your exam?)
In this context, the question is often meant to challenge someone’s assumptions or decisions. It can be a way of saying, “What will you do if things don’t go the way you expect them to?”
To distinguish between these different uses of “que feras-tu,” it’s important to pay attention to the context in which the phrase is being used. Is it a straightforward question about someone’s plans or intentions? Or is it being used in a more rhetorical or confrontational way? By understanding the different contexts in which the phrase can be used, you can better understand its meaning and respond appropriately.
Common Words And Phrases Similar To The French Word For “What Will You Do”
When learning a new language, it can be helpful to explore synonyms and related terms to better understand how they are used in context. In French, the phrase “what will you do” can be translated as “que feras-tu.” Here are some common words and phrases that are similar in meaning:
Synonyms And Related Terms
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Que vas-tu faire? | What are you going to do? | “Que vas-tu faire ce soir?” – What are you going to do tonight? |
| Qu’allez-vous faire? | What will you do? | “Qu’allez-vous faire pour le week-end?” – What will you do for the weekend? |
| Que comptes-tu faire? | What do you plan to do? | “Que comptes-tu faire cet été?” – What do you plan to do this summer? |
These phrases are all similar in meaning to “que feras-tu” and can be used interchangeably in many situations. However, there may be slight differences in nuance or formality depending on the context.
Antonyms
It’s also helpful to explore antonyms, or words and phrases that have opposite meanings. Here are some antonyms to “que feras-tu”:
- Que ne feras-tu pas? – What won’t you do?
- Que feriez-vous? – What would you do?
- Que devrais-tu faire? – What should you do?
These phrases can help you better understand the range of possibilities when asking someone what they plan to do.
Mistakes To Avoid When Using The French Word For “What Will You Do”
When it comes to using the French word for “what will you do,” many non-native speakers often make mistakes that can lead to confusion or even embarrassment. Some of the most common errors include:
- Mispronouncing the word
- Using the wrong tense
- Using incorrect grammar
- Misusing idiomatic expressions
These mistakes can make it difficult for native French speakers to understand what you are trying to say and can also make you appear less knowledgeable about the language. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these common errors and take steps to avoid them.
Highlighting These Mistakes And Providing Tips To Avoid Them
To avoid mispronouncing the word, it is important to understand the correct pronunciation of “what will you do” in French, which is “que ferez-vous.” Practice saying the word out loud until you feel comfortable with the pronunciation.
Using the wrong tense is another common mistake made by non-native speakers. Remember that “what will you do” is a future tense question, so it is important to use the correct form of the verb. For example, “Je ferai” means “I will do,” while “Je fais” means “I am doing.”
Incorrect grammar can also cause confusion. When using “what will you do” in a sentence, make sure to use the correct subject-verb agreement. For example, “Que ferez-vous demain?” means “What will you do tomorrow?” while “Que fera tu demain?” is grammatically incorrect.
Misusing idiomatic expressions is another common mistake made by non-native speakers. For example, “Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire?” is a common expression in French that means “What are you going to do?” However, it is important to use this expression in the correct context to avoid confusion.
In summary, to avoid making mistakes when using the French word for “what will you do,” it is important to practice correct pronunciation, use the correct tense and grammar, and use idiomatic expressions appropriately.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed how to say “what will you do” in French. We explored the different verb tenses and pronouns that are used in this context, and provided examples of how to use them in real-life conversations.
Remember that learning a new language takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and using the French word for “what will you do” in your conversations with native speakers.
By incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations, you will not only improve your French language skills but also enhance your cultural understanding of the language. So go ahead, practice, and have fun!
