When do I use 'qui' and when do I use 'que'?

'Qui' is used when the noun phrase/pronoun heading the relative clause is the implied subject of the relative clause, whether inanimate or animate. e.g. quand on void quelqu'un qui se noie il faut essayer de le sauver

Here it is clear that 'quelqu'un' is the subject (as it is them that has hurt themselves) and so we use 'qui'.

'Que' is used when the noun phrase/pronoun heading a relative clause is the direct object of the clause, whether inanimate or animate. e.g. c'est une poste que j'aurais aimé avoir

Here 'une poste' is receiving the action rather than doing the action, and is therefore the object of the relative clause

Answered by Amy C. French tutor

1867 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Is there more than one way to say ‘you’? When do I use each one?


When should I use the imperfect to talk about the past in French?


Quelle est la différence entre "ça" et "sa" et quand est-ce qu'on utilise l'un ou l'autre?


How do I know when to use which past tense in French when I'm translating/writing?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy