Significado
To be looking for, seeking something.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'Quête du Graal', a central myth in French medieval literature. It implies that the search itself is as important as the discovery. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but can sometimes be found in more 'nationalist' contexts, referring to the 'quête d'indépendance' or 'quête d'identité'. In many African francophone literatures, 'la quête' often refers to the search for roots or the struggle between tradition and modernity. Modern French startups use this phrase in their 'Mission Statements' to sound more visionary and less profit-driven.
Abstract is Key
Always pair this with abstract nouns to sound like a native C1 speaker.
Avoid 'Pour'
Never say 'en quête pour'. It's the most common tell of an English speaker.
Significado
To be looking for, seeking something.
Abstract is Key
Always pair this with abstract nouns to sound like a native C1 speaker.
Avoid 'Pour'
Never say 'en quête pour'. It's the most common tell of an English speaker.
Literary Flair
Use this in your DELF/DALF writing exams to impress the examiners with your register awareness.
Verb Variation
Try using 'se mettre en quête de' to show you've just started your search.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'être en quête de'.
Depuis son licenciement, il _________ (présent) _________ nouvelles opportunités.
The subject 'il' takes 'est', and the phrase is always 'en quête de'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in terms of register?
Select the most natural sentence:
This phrase is best suited for abstract, noble pursuits like 'sagesse' (wisdom).
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi as-tu quitté ton poste ? B: Parce que je _________ de plus de responsabilités.
In a formal interview context (implied by the question), 'suis en quête' is the most professional choice.
Match the noun with the most appropriate context for 'en quête de'.
Match the pairs:
Vérité, Innovation, and Identité are all appropriate abstract nouns for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Chercher vs. Être en quête de
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDepuis son licenciement, il _________ (présent) _________ nouvelles opportunités.
The subject 'il' takes 'est', and the phrase is always 'en quête de'.
Select the most natural sentence:
This phrase is best suited for abstract, noble pursuits like 'sagesse' (wisdom).
A: Pourquoi as-tu quitté ton poste ? B: Parce que je _________ de plus de responsabilités.
In a formal interview context (implied by the question), 'suis en quête' is the most professional choice.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Vérité, Innovation, and Identité are all appropriate abstract nouns for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, but it implies a deep search, like 'en quête d'une âme sœur' (soulmate) or 'en quête d'un mentor'.
It depends on the noun. Use 'de' for general concepts (en quête de vérité) and 'du/de la' for specific ones (en quête du bonheur).
It is formal and literary, but not archaic. It is still very much used in high-quality journalism and literature.
Only if you are collecting money (like in a church or for charity). Otherwise, use 'être en quête de'.
'Rechercher' is a verb and can be more technical. 'Être en quête de' is more of a state of being or a life mission.
Just conjugate 'être': 'J'ai été en quête de...', 'J'étais en quête de...'.
Yes, very often in vision statements or to describe a company's search for innovation.
Only if you are being a bit poetic or dramatic about finding the 'perfect' meal.
No, it is an invariable phrase. 'Ils sont en quête' is correct.
Not really. Slang would just use 'chercher' or 'guetter'.
'Sens' (meaning), 'Vérité' (truth), and 'Identité' (identity) are the top three.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something very serious with a close friend.
Frases relacionadas
À la recherche de
similarIn search of
Partir à la chasse aux
similarTo go hunting for
Être à l'affût de
similarTo be on the lookout for
Poursuivre un but
builds onTo pursue a goal
Sonder
specialized formTo probe/survey
