Questions are the spark that lights up a conversation. Without them, you’re just making statements into the void. In French, a handful of question words and simple structures will get you from “Bonjour” to actually connecting with people-whether you’re asking for directions, ordering a coffee, or finding out more about a new friend.
We’ve rounded up about 35 basic French questions that cover the everyday stuff. Each one comes with a clear meaning and a natural example sentence, so you see exactly how it works in real talk. Tap the play button next to any phrase to hear it spoken aloud-your ears need practice just as much as your brain.
Ready to ask the little questions that open big conversations? Scroll to the bottom of the article for the free printable basic questions in French vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable basic questions in French flashcards — your friendly shortcut to sounding less like a statue and more like a speaker.
Want more than one list? Browse our French section for more Yak Yacker study pages, printable lists, and quiz-friendly review material.
Quick Quiz
Give the quiz a try when you think you know these questions. It’s a low-stakes way to check what’s stuck and what needs another look.
Keep building your French
Choose a practical next step when you are ready.
Browse the Full List
| Word | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| quand | kahn | Quand part le train ? | |
| que / qu’est-ce que | kuh / kest kuh | Qu’est-ce que tu fais ? | |
| quel / quelle / quels / quelles | kel | Quelle heure est-il ? | |
| Quel jour sommes-nous ? | kel zhoor som noo? | Quel jour sommes-nous aujourd’hui ? | |
| Quelle heure est-il ? | kel ur ay-teel? | Excusez-moi, quelle heure est-il ? | |
| qui | kee | Qui est là ? | |
| Statement + rising voice | Ask by using normal word order and rising intonation | Do you speak French? | |
| Tu viens ? | tyoo vyan? | Tu viens avec nous ? | |
| Tu viens d’où ? | tyoo vyan doo? | Tu viens d’où exactement ? | |
| Vous avez une minute ? | voo zah-vay uhn mee-nyoot? | Vous avez une minute, s’il vous plaît ? |
Free Basic Questions in French PDF and Flashcard Downloads
Grab the purple vocab-list button for the basic questions in French vocabulary list, and the teal flashcards button for the basic questions in French flashcards. Both downloads are 100% free, with no signup needed.
