Meaning
An informal way to ask for someone's identity.
Cultural Background
In France, 'C'est qui ?' is the standard for all ages in casual settings. However, children are often taught to say 'Qui est-ce ?' to sound more 'polite' to adults. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est qui, lui ?' or 'C'est qui, elle ?' with a very strong emphasis on the pronoun. The 'qui' is sometimes pronounced very sharply. In texting (SMS), this is often shortened to 'C ki ?' to save time. This is very informal 'text-speak'.
Rising Pitch
Make sure your voice goes up at the end, or it sounds like a statement.
Not for Objects
Never use this for a ringing phone or a mysterious box. Use 'C'est quoi ?' for those.
Meaning
An informal way to ask for someone's identity.
Rising Pitch
Make sure your voice goes up at the end, or it sounds like a statement.
Not for Objects
Never use this for a ringing phone or a mysterious box. Use 'C'est quoi ?' for those.
Add 'Lui' or 'Elle'
Add 'lui' (him) or 'elle' (her) at the end to be more specific: 'C'est qui, elle ?'
Test Yourself
You see a photo of your friend's brother. How do you ask who he is?
Regarde ! ______ ?
We use 'qui' for people and 'c'est' to complete the phrase.
Complete the dialogue at the door.
(Knock knock) - ______ qui ?
The presentative 'C'est' is required.
Match the question to the context.
Match these:
Qui = Who, Quoi = What.
Finish the phone conversation.
Allô ? - Bonjour, c'est Marc. - Ah, Marc ! ______ ?
In a casual phone call, 'C'est qui ?' is the most natural follow-up if you didn't hear the name.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesRegarde ! ______ ?
We use 'qui' for people and 'c'est' to complete the phrase.
(Knock knock) - ______ qui ?
The presentative 'C'est' is required.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Qui = Who, Quoi = What.
Allô ? - Bonjour, c'est Marc. - Ah, Marc ! ______ ?
In a casual phone call, 'C'est qui ?' is the most natural follow-up if you didn't hear the name.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot among friends, but it can be blunt. To be softer, use 'Qui est-ce ?'.
Yes! In casual French, 'C'est qui ?' is used for both singular and plural.
Usually with 'C'est...' followed by a name. Example: 'C'est Marie.'
They are identical in meaning. 'Qui c'est ?' is just a slightly different word order used in speech.
Related Phrases
C'est quoi ?
similarWhat is it?
Qui est-ce ?
formal versionWho is it?
C'est lui.
builds onIt's him.
