What is the difference between 'qui' and 'que' in subordinate clauses?

'Qui' and 'que' are relative pronouns, both meaning either 'who' or that'/'which'. The problem is that the French grammar works differently to English grammar when it comes to relative pronouns, meaning a direct translation is not possible. The quickest and most simple way to distinguish between the two is knowing that 'qui' will always be followed by a conjugated verb (e.g. "L'homme qui fait la cuisine" - the man who does the cooking), whereas 'que' will be followed by the subject (e.g. "L'homme que j'ai vu" - the man who I saw). As demonstrated by this example, who can be translated as both 'qui' and 'que' depending on the grammatical context.

AH

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the imperfect tense? When would you use it?


To what extent does the book Le Petit Prince indicate that parents loose their imagination as they grow up?


Dans ce texte sur la publicité, remplissez les blancs avec la forme correcte des mots.


What is a demonstrative adjective?