que
than
The French word 'que' is used in the same way as 'than' in English. It is used when making comparisons, for example: 'Elle est plus grande que moi' means 'She is taller than me'. Just like 'than', 'que' introduces the second element that is being compared. Remember that the construction of sentences may change, depending on whether you are comparing nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
Example sentences using: que
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
What is it?
This is a very common French expression. 'que' is used here in a double questioning phrase to emphasize the question being asked.
Que faites-vous ce weekend ?
What are you doing this weekend?
In this sentence, 'que' is used in an interrogative context to ask the person what they are doing this weekend. In French, it is very common to use 'que' for asking questions.
Je pense que tu as raison.
I think that you are right.
In this context, 'que' is used to join two sentences into one. It acts as a link between 'I think' and 'you are right'.
C'est plus facile que je pensais.
It's easier than I thought.
In this sentence, 'que' is used to compare two different things - the actual difficulty and what the speaker originally thought.
Je regrette que tu partes.
I regret that you are leaving.
The word 'que' here is used to link the two statements 'I regret' and 'you are leaving'. 'Que' acts as a conjunction in this example.
Que la force soit avec toi.
May the force be with you.
In this sentence, 'que' is used to express a wish or hope. It roughly translates to 'let' or 'may' in English.
Je crains que cela ne soit pas possible.
I fear that it might not be possible.
Here, 'que' connects the two parts of the sentence: 'I fear' and 'it might not be possible'. Note the additional use of 'ne' before 'soit' to denote negation.
Il semble que vous ayez fait une erreur.
It seems that you have made a mistake.
In this statement, 'que' connects the two thoughts 'it seems' and 'you have made a mistake'.
C'est le moins que l'on puisse faire.
It's the least we can do.
Here, 'que' is used to compare the level of effort or obligation, essentially stating 'it's the least [thing] that we can do'.
Que voulez-vous boire ?
What do you want to drink?
In this question, 'que' is used to ask what the person wants to drink. The word 'que' can commonly be found in French questions.