Ce qui vs ce que: French relative clauses
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Ce qui vs ce que: French relative clauses
Use ce qui or ce que for “what” or “the thing that” when there is no specific noun antecedent. Ce qui is the subject of the following verb; ce que is its direct object.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Subject
Ce qui me plaît, c’est la musique.
What I like is the music.
Object
Je comprends ce que tu veux dire.
I understand what you mean.
Common mix-ups
Tu is already the subject of veux dire; the missing element is its object.
I understand what you mean.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
I do not know what she is looking for.
Show one possible answer
Je ne sais pas ce qu'elle cherche.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Grammar references
Practice French grammar in context
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