Language/French/Grammar/Use-of-relative-quoi
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The Use of "quoi" as a Relative Pronoun in French
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The relative pronoun "quoi" is less common than other relative pronouns like "qui" and "que," but it serves specific functions in the French language. It is usually used in spoken French to mean "which" or "that" and often comes after a preposition.
1. Structure[edit | edit source]
"Quoi" is generally used after prepositions like "à," "de," "pour," etc.
- Example: Il ne sait pas à quoi tu fais référence. (He doesn't know to what you're referring.)
2. "Quoi" with Prepositions[edit | edit source]
Different prepositions can change the meaning of the sentence.
- De quoi: Capable de quoi ? (Capable of what?)
- Pour quoi: C'est pour quoi ? (What's this for?)
3. Informal Speech[edit | edit source]
Note that "quoi" is often used in informal speech and is generally avoided in formal or written language.
4. Examples and Exercises[edit | edit source]
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Il se demande pour quoi je suis venu. (He wonders for what I came.)
- Je ne sais pas de quoi tu parles. (I don't know of what you're talking.)
Exercises[edit | edit source]
- Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with "à quoi," "de quoi," "pour quoi," etc.
- Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into French, making use of "quoi."
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Although "quoi" is not as frequently used as other relative pronouns, understanding its functions can give you a more nuanced understanding of everyday French speech.