que vs ce que

ByFast French

In French, the words que and ce que both translate to “that” or “what” in English, but they function differently in sentences.

1. “Que” as a Relative Pronoun

Que is a relative pronoun that refers to a previously mentioned noun (the antecedent) and acts as the direct object of the relative clause. It can refer to people or things.

Examples:

  • Le livre que je lis est passionnant. (The book that I’m reading is fascinating.)
  • La femme que tu vois est ma professeure. (The woman whom you see is my teacher.)
  • Les films que nous regardons sont comiques. (The movies that we watch are funny.)

Here, que connects to a noun (le livre, la femme, les films) and introduces a clause where it serves as the object.

2. “Ce Que” as an Indefinite Relative Pronoun

Ce que does not refer to a specific noun but instead introduces a general idea or an entire clause. It means “what” or “that which” and functions as the object of the relative clause.

Examples:

  • Je ne sais pas ce que tu veux. (I don’t know what you want.)
  • Ce que tu dis est important. (What you say is important.)
  • Dis-moi ce que tu penses. (Tell me what you think.)

In these cases, ce que does not replace a particular noun but refers to an undefined concept or statement.

Key Differences

FeatureQueCe Que
ReferenceRefers to a specific nounRefers to a general idea
FunctionDirect object in the clauseObject of an indefinite clause
ExampleLe repas que j’ai mangé (The meal that I ate)Je comprends ce que tu veux dire (I understand what you mean)

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