The French indefinite relative pronoun “ce qui” serves as a subject pronoun referring to an unspecified or general idea. It translates to “what” or “that which” in English and is used when the antecedent is not a specific noun but rather an entire concept or situation.

Grammatical function

“Ce qui” always functions as the subject of the clause it introduces. It refers to something abstract or general that was mentioned previously or is about to be explained. The structure typically follows this pattern:

Main clause + “ce qui” + verb + rest of clause

Basic usage examples

• Je ne comprends pas ce qui se passe.
  I don’t understand what is happening.
• Ce qui m’étonne, c’est son attitude.
  What surprises me is his attitude.
• Dis-moi ce qui te préoccupe.
  Tell me what worries you.

Comparing “ce qui” and “ce que”

While “ce qui” serves as subject of its clause, “ce que” functions as the object:

• Ce qui m’intéresse, c’est l’histoire. (subject)
  What interests me is history.
• Ce que je préfère, c’est la musique. (object)
  What I prefer is music.

Usage in complex sentences

“Ce qui” often appears in sentences that make general observations or state facts:

• Ce qui est fait est fait.
  What’s done is done.
• Ce qui compte vraiment, c’est l’effort.
  What really matters is the effort.
• Elle a oublié ce qui s’est passé hier.
  She forgot what happened yesterday.

Expressing cause and effect

“Ce qui” can introduce a consequence or result:

• Il a travaillé dur, ce qui a porté ses fruits.
  He worked hard, which bore fruit.
• Elle est arrivée en retard, ce qui a énervé le professeur.
  She arrived late, which annoyed the teacher.
• Le temps s’est amélioré, ce qui nous a permis de sortir.
  The weather improved, which allowed us to go out.

With impersonal expressions

When referring to general situations or abstract concepts:

• Voici ce qui doit être fait.
  Here’s what must be done.
• Ce qui importe, c’est la sécurité.
  What matters is safety.
• Personne ne sait ce qui va arriver.
  Nobody knows what will happen.

In questions

When asking about general situations:

• Sais-tu ce qui se passe dehors ?
  Do you know what’s happening outside?
• Peux-tu deviner ce qui me rend heureux ?
  Can you guess what makes me happy?
• Savez-vous ce qui cause ce problème ?
  Do you know what causes this problem?