A1 Expression Informal

C'est où ?

Where is it?

Practice it

Meaning

An informal way to ask for a location.

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Cultural Background

In Paris, people are often in a rush. Using 'C'est où ?' is appreciated for its brevity when asking for directions in the Metro. Quebecers might use 'C'est où ça ?' more frequently, adding the 'ça' for extra emphasis on the location. In Francophone Africa, 'C'est où ?' is standard, but often followed by 'là' for emphasis.

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Add 'S'il vous plaît'

Even though 'C'est où ?' is informal, adding 's'il vous plaît' at the end makes it perfectly polite for strangers.

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The Accent Matters

In writing, always use the accent on 'où'. It's a common mistake even for natives, but learners should be precise.

Meaning

An informal way to ask for a location.

💡

Add 'S'il vous plaît'

Even though 'C'est où ?' is informal, adding 's'il vous plaît' at the end makes it perfectly polite for strangers.

⚠️

The Accent Matters

In writing, always use the accent on 'où'. It's a common mistake even for natives, but learners should be precise.

Test Yourself

Choose the correct spelling for 'Where is it?'

Pardon, la poste, ______ ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c'est où

You need 'c'est' (it is) and 'où' (where) with an accent.

Complete the sentence to ask where the keys are.

Les clés, ______ ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c'est où

Even though 'clés' is plural, in very informal speech, 'c'est où' is often used as a fixed expression, though 'elles sont où' is more grammatically correct.

Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.

Which one is 'informal'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: C'est où, la gare ?

'C'est où' is the most casual of the three.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Choose the correct spelling for 'Where is it?' Choose A1

Pardon, la poste, ______ ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c'est où

You need 'c'est' (it is) and 'où' (where) with an accent.

Complete the sentence to ask where the keys are. Fill Blank A2

Les clés, ______ ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c'est où

Even though 'clés' is plural, in very informal speech, 'c'est où' is often used as a fixed expression, though 'elles sont où' is more grammatically correct.

Match the phrase to the correct level of formality. situation_matching A1

Which one is 'informal'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: C'est où, la gare ?

'C'est où' is the most casual of the three.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

No, it's not rude, but it is very direct. Use it with friends or add 'Excusez-moi' before it when talking to strangers.

No, for people you should use 'Où est [Nom] ?' or 'Il/Elle est où ?'. 'C'est où ?' is for places and things.

Related Phrases

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C'est par où ?

similar

Which way is it?

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Où ça ?

specialized form

Where exactly?

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C'est ici

contrast

It is here

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