quoi
/kwa/Used to ask for information about something or someone, equivalent to 'what' in English.
Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
What is that?
Quoi ? Je n'ai rien dit !
What? I didn't say anything!
Often used in informal contexts and can be used alone or in combination with other words like 'qu'est-ce que' or 'qu'est-ce qui' for more formal questions.
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💡Pro Tip
Informal vs. Formal
'Quoi' is commonly used in informal contexts. For more formal questions, use 'qu'est-ce que' or 'qu'est-ce qui'.
⚡Gold Rule
Usage in Questions
'Quoi' is primarily used to ask about things or express surprise. It is not used to ask about people (use 'qui' instead).
📖Word Origin
Derived from Old French 'que' (what) and 'oi' (a form of 'est' or 'est-ce'), evolving into a standalone interrogative pronoun.
📝Usage Notes
In informal speech, 'quoi' can be used alone to ask 'what?' or to express surprise or confusion. In more formal contexts, it is often combined with 'qu'est-ce que' or 'qu'est-ce qui'.