When learning French, it’s important to know how to ask questions and express choices. One key word you will need is “which.” In French, “which” can be used in different ways depending on the context. Whether you are choosing between options or asking for more information, knowing how to use “which” will help you communicate better.
In this article, we will explore how to say “which” in French. We will look at different ways to use it, provide some examples, and give you exercises to practice. Whether you’re asking about food, clothes, or anything else, this article will help you get comfortable using “which” in French. Let’s get started!
Ways to Say “Which” in French
There are different ways to say “which” in French, depending on the context and the formality of the situation. Let’s take a look at the most common ways to express “which” in French.
1. Quel (Pronunciation: /kel/)
Meaning: This is the most common way to say “which” when you are asking a question or choosing between a small number of options. It is used with masculine singular nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Quel film veux-tu regarder ? (Which movie do you want to watch?)
- Quel livre as-tu lu ? (Which book did you read?)
2. Quelle (Pronunciation: /kel/)
Meaning: This is the feminine form of “quel,” used with feminine singular nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Quelle robe préfères-tu ? (Which dress do you prefer?)
- Quelle couleur aimes-tu ? (Which color do you like?)
3. Quels (Pronunciation: /kel/)
Meaning: This is used when referring to masculine plural nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Quels films as-tu vus récemment ? (Which movies have you seen recently?)
- Quels livres as-tu lus ? (Which books did you read?)
4. Quelles (Pronunciation: /kel/)
Meaning: This is the feminine plural form of “which,” used when referring to feminine plural nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Quelles fleurs veux-tu planter ? (Which flowers do you want to plant?)
- Quelles chansons aiment-ils ? (Which songs do they like?)
5. Lequel (Pronunciation: /luh-kel/)
Meaning: This is used for asking “which one” when referring to masculine singular nouns. It’s often used with prepositions like de (of) or à (to).
In a Sentence:
- Lequel préfères-tu ? (Which one do you prefer?)
- Je ne sais pas lequel choisir. (I don’t know which one to choose.)
6. Laquelle (Pronunciation: /lah-kel/)
Meaning: This is the feminine singular form of “which one.” It is used in the same way as “lequel” but for feminine nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Laquelle aimes-tu ? (Which one do you like?)
- Je ne sais pas laquelle choisir. (I don’t know which one to choose.)
7. Lesquels (Pronunciation: /les-kel/)
Meaning: This is used when asking “which ones” in the masculine plural form.
In a Sentence:
- Lesquels de ces films as-tu aimés ? (Which ones of these movies did you like?)
- Lesquels sont tes préférés ? (Which ones are your favorites?)
8. Lesquelles (Pronunciation: /les-kel/)
Meaning: This is the feminine plural form of “which ones,” used for feminine plural nouns.
In a Sentence:
- Lesquelles de ces robes préfères-tu ? (Which ones of these dresses do you prefer?)
- Lesquelles sont les meilleures ? (Which ones are the best?)
9. Celle-ci (Pronunciation: /sel-see/)
Meaning: Used for “this one” (feminine singular), to refer to a specific item.
In a Sentence:
- Je veux celle-ci. (I want this one.)
- Celle-ci est ma préférée. (This one is my favorite.)
10. Celui-ci (Pronunciation: /suh-lwee-see/)
Meaning: Used for “this one” (masculine singular), referring to a specific masculine item.
In a Sentence:
- Je préfère celui-ci. (I prefer this one.)
- Celui-ci est plus grand. (This one is bigger.)
11. Celle-là (Pronunciation: /sel-lah/)
Meaning: Used for “that one” (feminine singular), referring to something farther away.
In a Sentence:
- Celle-là est trop chère. (That one is too expensive.)
- Celle-là est mieux. (That one is better.)
12. Celui-là (Pronunciation: /suh-lwee-lah/)
Meaning: Used for “that one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Celui-là est en soldes. (That one is on sale.)
- Celui-là est trop petit. (That one is too small.)
13. Quoi (Pronunciation: /kwa/)
Meaning: “What” or “which” can be used informally, often in expressions like “which one” or “which thing.”
In a Sentence:
- Quoi de neuf ? (What’s new?)
- C’est quoi ce bruit ? (What’s that noise?)
14. D’où (Pronunciation: /doo/)
Meaning: While this literally means “from where,” it can also be used to ask “which” in questions involving origin or source.
In a Sentence:
- D’où viens-tu ? (Where are you from?)
- D’où sort cette information ? (Where does this information come from?)
15. De quel (Pronunciation: /du kel/)
Meaning: This is used when referring to the origin or source of something. It combines “de” (from) and “quel” (which).
In a Sentence:
- De quel pays viens-tu ? (Which country are you from?)
- De quel film parles-tu ? (Which movie are you talking about?)
16. Avec lequel (Pronunciation: /ah-vek le-kel/)
Meaning: This phrase means “with which one” (masculine singular) and is often used with prepositions like avec (with).
In a Sentence:
- Avec lequel veux-tu partir ? (Which one do you want to leave with?)
- Avec lequel as-tu voyagé ? (With which one did you travel?)
17. Dans lequel (Pronunciation: /dahn le-kel/)
Meaning: This means “in which one” (masculine singular) and is used with prepositions like dans (in).
In a Sentence:
- Dans lequel des deux as-tu mis ta clé ? (In which one of the two did you put your key?)
- Dans lequel des livres veux-tu lire ? (Which one of the books do you want to read?)
18. Par lequel (Pronunciation: /par le-kel/)
Meaning: This is used to say “by which one” (masculine singular), used with the preposition par (by).
In a Sentence:
- Par lequel es-tu passé ? (Which one did you pass by?)
- Par lequel de ces chemins veux-tu aller ? (By which of these paths do you want to go?)
19. Sous lequel (Pronunciation: /soo le-kel/)
Meaning: This means “under which one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Sous lequel de ces chapeaux se cache-t-il ? (Under which of these hats is he hiding?)
- Sous lequel as-tu mis la boîte ? (Under which one did you put the box?)
20. À quel (Pronunciation: /ah kel/)
Meaning: This is used to ask “at which” when referring to time, place, or event.
In a Sentence:
- À quel moment devons-nous partir ? (At what time should we leave?)
- À quel endroit allons-nous ? (At which place are we going?)
21. Pour quel (Pronunciation: /poor kel/)
Meaning: This means “for which,” used when referring to purpose or goal.
In a Sentence:
- Pour quel projet travailles-tu ? (For which project are you working?)
- Pour quel type de travail cherches-tu ? (For what type of job are you looking?)
22. À quelle heure (Pronunciation: /ah kel uhr/)
Meaning: This is used to ask “at what time,” specifically for referring to hours.
In a Sentence:
- À quelle heure commence le film ? (At what time does the movie start?)
- À quelle heure part le train ? (At what time does the train leave?)
23. À quelle distance (Pronunciation: /ah kel dees-tahns/)
Meaning: This means “at what distance,” used when asking about the distance.
In a Sentence:
- À quelle distance est la plage ? (At what distance is the beach?)
- À quelle distance se trouve l’hôpital ? (At what distance is the hospital?)
24. Sur lequel (Pronunciation: /soor le-kel/)
Meaning: This means “on which one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Sur lequel des deux as-tu mis ton téléphone ? (On which one of the two did you put your phone?)
- Sur lequel de ces sujets veux-tu travailler ? (On which of these topics do you want to work?)
25. Sans lequel (Pronunciation: /sahn le-kel/)
Meaning: This means “without which” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Sans lequel ne pouvons-nous pas réussir ? (Without which, we cannot succeed?)
- Sans lequel je ne vais nulle part. (Without which, I’m not going anywhere.)
26. Avec laquelle (Pronunciation: /ah-vek lah-kel/)
Meaning: This means “with which one” (feminine singular), used with prepositions like avec (with).
In a Sentence:
- Avec laquelle veux-tu partir ? (Which one do you want to leave with?)
- Avec laquelle des amies veux-tu aller ? (With which of the friends do you want to go?)
27. Dans laquelle (Pronunciation: /dahn lah-kel/)
Meaning: This means “in which one” (feminine singular), used with prepositions like dans (in).
In a Sentence:
- Dans laquelle de ces deux maisons veux-tu vivre ? (In which of these two houses do you want to live?)
- Dans laquelle des salles as-tu mis ta veste ? (In which of the rooms did you put your jacket?)
28. Par laquelle (Pronunciation: /par lah-kel/)
Meaning: This means “by which one” (feminine singular), used with the preposition par (by).
In a Sentence:
- Par laquelle de ces portes es-tu entré ? (By which of these doors did you enter?)
- Par laquelle des options préfères-tu ? (Which one of the options do you prefer?)
29. Sous laquelle (Pronunciation: /soo lah-kel/)
Meaning: This means “under which one” (feminine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Sous laquelle des tables est-ce que tu as trouvé la clé ? (Under which of the tables did you find the key?)
- Sous laquelle des chaises est-ce que tu as caché ton sac ? (Under which of the chairs did you hide your bag?)
30. À quelle occasion (Pronunciation: /ah kel oh-kah-zyohn/)
Meaning: This means “on which occasion,” used when asking about a specific event or reason.
In a Sentence:
- À quelle occasion vas-tu lui offrir ce cadeau ? (On which occasion are you going to give him this gift?)
- À quelle occasion as-tu porté cette robe ? (On what occasion did you wear this dress?)
Other Ways to Say “Which” in French
Below is a table with additional ways to say “which” in French. These expressions are useful in various contexts and can help you sound more natural when speaking or writing in French.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Celle-ci | /sel-see/ | This one (feminine singular) | Je veux celle-ci. (I want this one.) Celle-ci est ma préférée. (This one is my favorite.) |
| Celui-ci | /suh-lwee-see/ | This one (masculine singular) | Je préfère celui-ci. (I prefer this one.) Celui-ci est plus grand. (This one is bigger.) |
| Celle-là | /sel-lah/ | That one (feminine singular) | Celle-là est trop chère. (That one is too expensive.) Celle-là est mieux. (That one is better.) |
| Celui-là | /suh-lwee-lah/ | That one (masculine singular) | Celui-là est en soldes. (That one is on sale.) Celui-là est trop petit. (That one is too small.) |
| Quoi | /kwa/ | What, which (informal) | Quoi de neuf ? (What’s new?) C’est quoi ce bruit ? (What’s that noise?) |
| D’où | /doo/ | From where (used for origin) | D’où viens-tu ? (Where are you from?) D’où sort cette information ? (Where does this information come from?) |
| De quel | /du kel/ | Of which (used with origin) | De quel pays viens-tu ? (Which country are you from?) De quel film parles-tu ? (Which movie are you talking about?) |
| Avec lequel | /ah-vek le-kel/ | With which one (masculine) | Avec lequel veux-tu partir ? (Which one do you want to leave with?) Avec lequel as-tu voyagé ? (With which one did you travel?) |
| Dans lequel | /dahn le-kel/ | In which one (masculine) | Dans lequel des deux as-tu mis ta clé ? (In which one of the two did you put your key?) Dans lequel des livres veux-tu lire ? (Which one of the books do you want to read?) |
| Par lequel | /par le-kel/ | By which one (masculine) | Par lequel es-tu passé ? (Which one did you pass by?) Par lequel de ces chemins veux-tu aller ? (By which of these paths do you want to go?) |
| Sous lequel | /soo le-kel/ | Under which one (masculine) | Sous lequel de ces chapeaux se cache-t-il ? (Under which of these hats is he hiding?) Sous lequel as-tu mis la boîte ? (Under which one did you put the box?) |
| À quel | /ah kel/ | At which (time/place) | À quel moment devons-nous partir ? (At what time should we leave?) À quel endroit allons-nous ? (At which place are we going?) |
| Pour quel | /poor kel/ | For which (purpose) | Pour quel projet travailles-tu ? (For which project are you working?) Pour quel type de travail cherches-tu ? (For what type of job are you looking?) |
| À quelle heure | /ah kel uhr/ | At what time | À quelle heure commence le film ? (At what time does the movie start?) À quelle heure part le train ? (At what time does the train leave?) |
| À quelle distance | /ah kel dees-tahns/ | At what distance | À quelle distance est la plage ? (At what distance is the beach?) À quelle distance se trouve l’hôpital ? (At what distance is the hospital?) |
| Sur lequel | /soor le-kel/ | On which one (masculine) | Sur lequel des deux as-tu mis ton téléphone ? (On which one of the two did you put your phone?) Sur lequel de ces sujets veux-tu travailler ? (On which of these topics do you want to work?) |
| Sans lequel | /sahn le-kel/ | Without which (masculine) | Sans lequel ne pouvons-nous pas réussir ? (Without which, we cannot succeed?) Sans lequel je ne vais nulle part. (Without which, I’m not going anywhere.) |
| Avec laquelle | /ah-vek lah-kel/ | With which one (feminine) | Avec laquelle veux-tu partir ? (Which one do you want to leave with?) Avec laquelle des amies veux-tu aller ? (With which of the friends do you want to go?) |
| Dans laquelle | /dahn lah-kel/ | In which one (feminine) | Dans laquelle de ces deux maisons veux-tu vivre ? (In which of these two houses do you want to live?) Dans laquelle des salles as-tu mis ta veste ? (In which of the rooms did you put your jacket?) |
| Par laquelle | /par lah-kel/ | By which one (feminine) | Par laquelle de ces portes es-tu entré ? (By which of these doors did you enter?) Par laquelle des options préfères-tu ? (Which one of the options do you prefer?) |
| Sous laquelle | /soo lah-kel/ | Under which one (feminine) | Sous laquelle des tables est-ce que tu as trouvé la clé ? (Under which of the tables did you find the key?) Sous laquelle des chaises est-ce que tu as caché ton sac ? (Under which of the chairs did you hide your bag?) |
Response to “Which” in French
When someone asks you a question using “which” in French, there are various ways you can respond, depending on the context and the question asked. Here are some common responses you can use to answer questions involving “which.”
1. C’est celui-ci (Pronunciation: /seh luh-see/)
Meaning: “It’s this one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quel livre veux-tu lire ? (Which book do you want to read?)
- C’est celui-ci. (It’s this one.)
2. C’est celle-là (Pronunciation: /seh sel-lah/)
Meaning: “It’s that one” (feminine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quelle robe préfères-tu ? (Which dress do you prefer?)
- C’est celle-là. (It’s that one.)
3. Je choisis celui-ci (Pronunciation: /zhuh shwa-zee suh-lwee-see/)
Meaning: “I choose this one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quel film veux-tu regarder ? (Which movie do you want to watch?)
- Je choisis celui-ci. (I choose this one.)
4. Je préfère celle-là (Pronunciation: /zhuh pray-fehr sel-lah/)
Meaning: “I prefer that one” (feminine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quelle chanson veux-tu écouter ? (Which song do you want to listen to?)
- Je préfère celle-là. (I prefer that one.)
5. Les deux me conviennent (Pronunciation: /lay duh muh kohn-vyen/)
Meaning: “Both of them suit me.”
In a Sentence:
- Quels films préfères-tu ? (Which movies do you prefer?)
- Les deux me conviennent. (Both of them suit me.)
6. Celui-ci est meilleur (Pronunciation: /suh-lwee-see eh meh-yer/)
Meaning: “This one is better” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quel gâteau veux-tu manger ? (Which cake do you want to eat?)
- Celui-ci est meilleur. (This one is better.)
7. Laquelle aimerais-tu ? (Pronunciation: /lah-kel eh-meh-ray-too/)
Meaning: “Which one would you like?” (feminine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quelle robe veux-tu acheter ? (Which dress do you want to buy?)
- Laquelle aimerais-tu ? (Which one would you like?)
8. Lesquels sont à moi ? (Pronunciation: /lay-kel sohn ah mwah/)
Meaning: “Which ones are mine?” (masculine plural).
In a Sentence:
- Quels livres sont sur la table ? (Which books are on the table?)
- Lesquels sont à moi ? (Which ones are mine?)
9. Lesquelles as-tu choisies ? (Pronunciation: /lay-kel ah-too shwah-zee/)
Meaning: “Which ones have you chosen?” (feminine plural).
In a Sentence:
- Quelles chansons as-tu préférées ? (Which songs have you preferred?)
- Lesquelles as-tu choisies ? (Which ones have you chosen?)
10. C’est le plus grand (Pronunciation: /seh luh ploo grahn/)
Meaning: “It’s the biggest one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Lequel de ces arbres est le plus grand ? (Which of these trees is the tallest?)
- C’est le plus grand. (It’s the biggest one.)
11. Je préfère celui-là (Pronunciation: /zhuh pray-fehr suh-lwee-lah/)
Meaning: “I prefer that one” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quel film aimerais-tu regarder ? (Which movie would you like to watch?)
- Je préfère celui-là. (I prefer that one.)
12. Celui-ci est plus cher (Pronunciation: /suh-lwee-see eh ploo shehr/)
Meaning: “This one is more expensive” (masculine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quel téléphone veux-tu acheter ? (Which phone do you want to buy?)
- Celui-ci est plus cher. (This one is more expensive.)
13. Celle-ci est plus jolie (Pronunciation: /sel-see eh ploo zho-lee/)
Meaning: “This one is prettier” (feminine singular).
In a Sentence:
- Quelle robe veux-tu porter ? (Which dress do you want to wear?)
- Celle-ci est plus jolie. (This one is prettier.)
14. Les deux me conviennent parfaitement (Pronunciation: /lay duh muh kohn-vyen par-feh-teh-mohn/)
Meaning: “Both of them suit me perfectly.”
In a Sentence:
- Quels livres préfères-tu ? (Which books do you prefer?)
- Les deux me conviennent parfaitement. (Both of them suit me perfectly.)
15. Je ne sais pas lequel choisir (Pronunciation: /zhuh nuh seh pah luh-kel shwah-zee/)
Meaning: “I don’t know which one to choose.”
In a Sentence:
- Lequel des deux veux-tu ? (Which of the two do you want?)
- Je ne sais pas lequel choisir. (I don’t know which one to choose.)
Exercise to Practice Success “Which” in French
Here are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises using the different ways to say “which” in French. After the exercises, you’ll find the answers to check your understanding. These sentences are designed to help you practice using “which” in various contexts.
Fill-in-the-Blanks (in French)
- __________ film préfères-tu ? (Which movie do you prefer?)
- __________ livre veux-tu lire ? (Which book do you want to read?)
- __________ robe veux-tu acheter ? (Which dress do you want to buy?)
- __________ fleurs veux-tu planter ? (Which flowers do you want to plant?)
- __________ des deux aimes-tu le plus ? (Which of the two do you like most?)
- __________ de ces livres est le meilleur ? (Which of these books is the best?)
- __________ as-tu choisi ? (Which one did you choose?)
- __________ des films veux-tu regarder ce soir ? (Which of the movies do you want to watch tonight?)
- __________ préfères-tu : le gâteau au chocolat ou à la vanille ? (Which do you prefer: chocolate cake or vanilla cake?)
- __________ pantalon veux-tu porter ? (Which pair of pants do you want to wear?)
- __________ de ces chapeaux aimes-tu ? (Which of these hats do you like?)
- __________ des chansons préfères-tu ? (Which of the songs do you prefer?)
Answers
- Quel film préfères-tu ?
- Quel livre veux-tu lire ?
- Quelle robe veux-tu acheter ?
- Quelles fleurs veux-tu planter ?
- Lequel des deux aimes-tu le plus ?
- Lequel de ces livres est le meilleur ?
- Lequel as-tu choisi ?
- Lesquels des films veux-tu regarder ce soir ?
- Lequel préfères-tu : le gâteau au chocolat ou à la vanille ?
- Quel pantalon veux-tu porter ?
- Lequel de ces chapeaux aimes-tu ?
- Lesquelles des chansons préfères-tu ?
Conclusion
Learning how to say “which” in French is an important step in improving your language skills. By understanding the different forms like quel, quelle, lequel, laquelle, and more, you’ll be able to ask precise questions and express preferences with ease. As you continue to practice, using these words will help you sound more natural and confident in conversations.
Remember, the key to mastering these expressions is consistent practice. Whether you’re asking about food, books, or even which movie to watch, knowing how to use “which” correctly will open up many opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations. Keep practicing the examples, exercises, and responses from this article, and you’ll soon feel more comfortable with your French!