ce qui vs ceux qui

The difference between ce qui and ceux qui boils down to what they refer to and whether the idea is singular or plural.


1. ce qui

  • Meaning: what / that which / the thing that (singular, neutral — no gender or number)
  • Use: Refers to an unspecified thing or idea that is singular in meaning.
  • Grammar: “ce” is an invariable demonstrative pronoun meaning this/that, and “qui” is a subject relative pronoun (who / which).
  • Example:
    • Ce qui est important, c’est de rester calme.
      What is important is to stay calm.
    • Tu ne comprends pas ce qui s’est passé.
      You don’t understand what happened.

Key point: ce qui is neutral and can refer to both concrete and abstract things, but it’s singular in meaning.


2. ceux qui

  • Meaning: those who / the ones who (plural, masculine — or mixed gender)
  • Use: Refers to people or things in the plural that have already been identified or are being distinguished from others.
  • Grammar: “ceux” is the masculine plural form of the demonstrative pronoun (celui, celle, ceux, celles), and “qui” is the subject relative pronoun.
  • Example:
    • Ceux qui travaillent dur réussissent souvent.
      Those who work hard often succeed.
    • J’admire ceux qui osent dire la vérité.
      I admire those who dare to tell the truth.

Key point: ceux qui is plural and usually refers to people (or sometimes objects, if personified or clearly plural).


Quick Comparison Table

ExpressionNumber & GenderRefers toTranslation examples
ce quiSingular, neutralAn unspecified thing or ideawhat / that which
ceux quiPlural, masculine/mixedPeople or things in pluralthose who / the ones who

💡 If you want the feminine plural version of ceux qui, you’d say celles quithose (feminine) who…


Examples Comparing “ce qui” vs “ceux qui”

With ce qui (singular, neutral: “what / that which…”)With ceux qui (plural, masculine/mixed: “those who…”)
Ce qui me dérange, c’est le bruit.What bothers me is the noise.Ceux qui me dérangent, ce sont mes voisins.Those who bother me are my neighbours.
Tu ne comprends pas ce qui est en jeu.You don’t understand what’s at stake.Tu ne comprends pas ceux qui travaillent ici.You don’t understand those who work here.
Ce qui est difficile, c’est de commencer.What is difficult is starting.Ceux qui trouvent ça difficile abandonnent vite.Those who find it difficult give up quickly.
J’aime ce qui est simple et clair.I like what is simple and clear.J’aime ceux qui sont simples et clairs.I like those who are simple and clear.
Ce qui compte, c’est la sincérité.What matters is sincerity.Ceux qui comptent sur toi doivent être patients.Those who count on you must be patient.

🔑 Summary:

  • ce qui points to an idea, fact, or “thing” (always singular in sense).
  • ceux qui points to people or plural entities (like “the ones who…”).

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