A1 · 初級 チャプター 14

Expressing 'What' and Using Prepositions

7 トータルルール
72 例文
5

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of connecting your thoughts using 'what' and 'which' in French.

  • Identify when to use 'ce qui' versus 'ce que'.
  • Connect verbs requiring prepositions using 'ce dont' and 'ce à quoi'.
  • Select the correct pronoun 'lequel' to specify objects or people.
Connect your world with confidence!

学べること

Ready to level up your French? This chapter is all about unlocking the power of 'what' and 'which' in French, making your sentences flow like a native speaker! Forget simple statements – by the end of this, you'll be able to express complex ideas and connect your thoughts smoothly. Ever wanted to say 'What I want is...' or ask 'The thing you're talking about, what is it?' You'll master ce qui and ce que to effortlessly handle 'what' as a subject or direct object. We'll then dive into how to use ce dont and ce à quoi – don't worry, they sound scarier than they are! These gems will let you link 'what' with verbs that need prepositions like 'de' or 'à', opening up a whole new world of expression. And for those tricky 'which' questions after prepositions, like 'To which friend are you speaking?', you'll conquer lequel and laquelle, making sure your pronouns perfectly match gender and number. We’ll even tackle the neat little 'smushed' pronouns like auquel and duquel. Imagine chatting with a French friend, describing something interesting you saw, or asking for clarification on 'which one' they prefer. You'll move beyond basic phrases and start building truly rich, connected sentences. This might seem like a big step, but trust us, it’s totally achievable and super exciting. Let's make your French shine!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use 'ce qui' and 'ce que' to describe actions and states.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Form complex sentences using 'ce dont' and 'ce à quoi'.

チャプターガイド

Overview

Welcome to an exciting chapter in your French grammar A1 journey! This guide is designed to help you move beyond basic sentences and truly connect your thoughts in French. We're diving deep into the world of what and which, essential tools for any learner aiming for fluency.
Understanding these structures is a game-changer for expressing more complex ideas and asking nuanced questions, making your conversations much richer.
At the CEFR A1 level, you're building foundational skills, and mastering these concepts will significantly boost your confidence and comprehension. By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to effortlessly use French relative pronouns like ce qui and ce que to talk about 'what' you want or see, and navigate the trickier ce dont and ce à quoi for 'what' combined with prepositions.
You'll also conquer lequel and laquelle to ask which one? after prepositions, ensuring your questions are always grammatically perfect. This might seem like a big step, but with our clear explanations and examples, you'll find these French grammar patterns are not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. Get ready to unlock new levels of expression and make your French shine!

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the mechanics of expressing 'what' and 'which' in French. First up, we have Ce qui and Ce que. Ce qui means what or the thing that when it's the subject of the clause.
For instance, Ce qui est important, c'est l'amour (What is important is love). If what is the direct object, you'll use Ce que. For example, Je ne sais pas ce que tu veux (I don't know what you want).
These two are fundamental for talking about abstract whats.
Moving on to more complex connections, we introduce Ce dont and Ce à quoi. When a verb requires the preposition de (like *parler de*, *avoir besoin de*), and you want to say what...about, you use Ce dont. For example, Voilà ce dont j'ai besoin (Here is what I need).
Similarly, if a verb needs the preposition à (like *penser à*, *réfléchir à*), you'll use Ce à quoi for what...to/at. For instance, C'est ce à quoi je pense (That's what I'm thinking about).
Finally, we tackle which one after prepositions with Lequel/Laquelle. These are interrogative pronouns that change based on the gender and number of the noun they refer to: lequel (masculine singular), laquelle (feminine singular), lesquels (masculine plural), lesquelles (feminine plural). When combined with prepositions à or de, they contract: à + lequel = auquel, à + laquelle = à laquelle, de + lequel = duquel, de + laquelle = de laquelle.
For example, À laquelle de ces robes penses-tu ? (Which of these dresses are you thinking about?). Mastering these forms is key to asking precise questions in French.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Wrong:
    Je ne comprends pas ce qui tu dis.
Correct:
Je ne comprends pas ce que tu dis.
*Explanation:* Ce qui is used when what is the subject of the following verb. In tu dis, tu is the subject, and ce is the direct object. Therefore, ce que is correct.
  1. 1Wrong: "C'est ce que j'ai besoin."
Correct: "C'est ce dont j'ai besoin."
*Explanation:* The verb avoir besoin (to need) always takes the preposition de (avoir besoin de quelque chose). When referring to what you need, you must use ce dont to incorporate that de.
  1. 1Wrong:
    Avec lequel fille vas-tu au cinéma ?
Correct:
Avec quelle fille vas-tu au cinéma ?
(or
Avec laquelle vas-tu au cinéma ?
if the noun fille is already known)
*Explanation:* Lequel/Laquelle are pronouns meaning which one. When used *before* a noun, you typically use the interrogative adjective quel/quelle/quels/quelles. If the noun is omitted or understood from context, then lequel/laquelle is correct.

Real Conversations

A

A

Qu'est-ce que tu regardes ? (What are you watching?)
B

B

C'est un film. Ce que j'aime, c'est l'histoire. (It's a movie. What I like is the story.)
A

A

J'ai besoin de nouvelles chaussures. (I need new shoes.)
B

B

Ah, je comprends ce dont tu parles ! (Oh, I understand what you're talking about!)
A

A

Tu as plusieurs amis. À laquelle de tes amies as-tu parlé ? (You have several friends. To which of your friends did you speak?)
B

B

J'ai parlé à Marie. (I spoke to Marie.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do I know whether to use ce qui or ce que in French?

Use ce qui when what is the subject of the verb that follows it (e.g., *Ce qui est important...*). Use ce que when what is the direct object of the verb that follows it (e.g., *Ce que tu dis...*). Think of qui for 'who/which (subject)' and que for 'whom/which (object)'.

Q

Are ce dont and ce à quoi really common in everyday French?

Yes, absolutely! While they might seem a bit advanced for A1 French, they are very common in spoken and written French. Mastering them helps you sound much more natural and express complex ideas smoothly, especially when verbs require specific prepositions.

Q

Can I use quel instead of lequel?

Yes, but they have different roles. Quel/quelle/quels/quelles are interrogative adjectives used *before* a noun (e.g., *Quelle couleur aimes-tu?* - Which color do you like?). Lequel/laquelle/lesquels/lesquelles are interrogative pronouns used *in place of* a noun, often after a preposition (e.g., *Parmi ces couleurs, laquelle aimes-tu?* - Among these colors, which one do you like?).

Cultural Context

These structures are fundamental for nuanced communication in French. Native speakers use ce qui, ce que, ce dont, and ce à quoi constantly to connect ideas, express opinions, and describe abstract concepts. They are not formal or rare; they are the glue that holds many everyday conversations together.
Mastering lequel and its variations allows for precise questioning, avoiding ambiguity when referring to specific items or people. Integrating these patterns will make your French sound much more natural and sophisticated, allowing you to participate more fully in French discourse.

重要な例文 (2)

1

Ce qui m'intéresse, c'est l'intelligence artificielle.

私が興味があるのは、人工知能です。

主語としての「こと・もの」(Ce qui)
2

Regarde ce qui est écrit sur ce post Instagram.

このインスタの投稿に何が書いてあるか見てみて。

主語としての「こと・もの」(Ce qui)

ヒントとコツ (4)

⚠️

短縮しちゃダメ!

フランス語ではよく文字をくっつけるけど、ce qui は例外。 estarrive の前でも Ce qui est のまま。 ce qu' になるのは ce que だけだよ!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語としての「こと・もの」(Ce qui)
⚠️

母音のルールに注意!

後ろに母音が来たらアポストロフィを忘れずに! ce que il は間違いで、 "ce qu'il" が正解です。初心者が一番間違えやすいポイントですよ。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の代名詞:「〜すること」「〜なもの」(Ce que)
🎯

「後ろ」をチェック!

次に来るのが動詞なら ce qui、je や tu なら ce que と覚えましょう。
Ce qui arrive est triste.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「こと・もの」:ce qui と ce que の使い方
🎯

「de」があるかチェック!

辞書で動詞を調べて de があれば ce dont を使います。例えば se servir de なら
Ce dont je me sers
です。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の関係代名詞:「~のこと」(Ce dont)

重要な語彙 (6)

ce qui what (subject) ce que what (object) ce dont what... of/about ce à quoi what... to/at lequel which one (masc.) auquel to which (masc. singular)

Real-World Preview

gift

Choosing a gift

Review Summary

  • Ce qui + verbe
  • Ce que + sujet + verbe
  • Ce dont + sujet + verbe (de)
  • Ce à quoi + sujet + verbe (à)

よくある間違い

You used 'ce que' instead of 'ce qui'. Because 'what' is the subject of 'est', you must use 'ce qui'.

Wrong: Ce que est bon.
正解: Ce qui est bon.

You misplaced the pronoun. 'Dont' must follow the noun it relates to.

Wrong: Ce dont j'ai besoin le livre.
正解: Le livre dont j'ai besoin.

You missed the 'ce' prefix. 'Ce à quoi' is required to start the relative clause.

Wrong: À quoi je pense est la fête.
正解: Ce à quoi je pense, c'est la fête.

このチャプターのルール (7)

Next Steps

You've worked hard and mastered some of the most powerful tools in French grammar. Keep practicing!

Write 5 sentences about your day using 'ce qui' and 'ce que'.

クイック練習 (10)

正しい合体した代名詞を入れましょう。

C'est le stylo ___ je pense. (penser à)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: auquel
'Stylo' は男性単数で、'penser' は 'à' をとるので、 à + lequel = auquel になります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の代名詞:どれ? (auquel, duquel)

正しい文章はどれ?

文法的に正しいものを選んでください:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La maison à laquelle je rêve est bleue.
'Maison' は女性単数なので、'à laquelle' を使うのが正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の代名詞:どれ? (auquel, duquel)

間違いを見つけて直しましょう。

Ce que est sur la table est à moi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ce qui est sur la table est à moi.
est(〜である)は動詞なので、その前は ce qui にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「こと・もの」:ce qui と ce que の使い方

間違いを見つけて直してね!

Find and fix the mistake:

La chaise sur lequel je suis assis est bleue.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La chaise sur laquelle je suis assis est bleue.
'Chaise' は女性名詞だから、'lequel' ではなく 'laquelle' にしなきゃいけないんだ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 前置詞の後のフランス語関係代名詞 (Lequel/Laquelle)

正しい文章を選んでください。

正しいフランス語はどれ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Dis-moi ce que tu veux.
tu(君)が主語なので、目的語の ce que を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「こと・もの」:ce qui と ce que の使い方

空欄に正しい関係代名詞を入れてください。

Je ne sais pas ___ est dans le frigo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ce qui
後ろに動詞 'est' が続いているので、主語の役割をする 'ce qui' が正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語としての「こと・もの」(Ce qui)

空欄に ce qui か ce que を入れてください。

Je ne sais pas ___ se passe.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ce qui
後ろに動詞 se passe がきているので、主語になる ce qui が正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「こと・もの」:ce qui と ce que の使い方

このWhatsAppメッセージの間違いを直してください。

Tu as vu ce que se passe sur TikTok ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tu as vu ce qui se passe sur TikTok ?
'se passe' は動詞なので、主語になる 'ce qui' を使う必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語としての「こと・もの」(Ce qui)

間違いを見つけて直しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

Les problèmes auxquels je travaille sont difficiles.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les problèmes auxquels je travaille sont difficiles.
実は元の文章が正解です! 'Problèmes' は男性複数なので 'auxquels' でバッチリです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の代名詞:どれ? (auquel, duquel)

空欄に正しい形を入れてね:lequel, laquelle, lesquels, lesquelles

C'est l'entreprise pour ___ je travaille.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: laquelle
名詞の 'entreprise' は女性単数形なので 'laquelle' が正解だよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 前置詞の後のフランス語関係代名詞 (Lequel/Laquelle)

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

いいえ、変わりません!何を指していても、いつでも ce qui のままですよ。
それは ce que の時だけです。例えば "ce qu'il veut«(彼が欲しいもの)。 »ce qui" は短縮しません。
いいえ。「あなたは何をしていますか?」という質問には "Qu'est-ce que...« を使います。 »ce que" は「あなたがしていることを知っている」のように、文の中で使います。
はい!形は変わりません。「私の好きなものたち」と言う時も ce que のままです。例: "Ce que j'aime, ce sont les gâteaux."
特定のモノを指すのではなく、「〜すること」や「〜なもの」と漠然と言う時に使う ce qui などのことです。
後ろにすぐ動詞がくるなら ce qui、主語(je, tu など)がくるなら ce que です。