Meaning
An informal question to ask someone's age.
Cultural Background
Asking an adult's age is often considered 'indiscret' (impolite). It is better to wait for them to mention it or avoid the topic in early stages of friendship. In Quebec, the use of 'tu' is much more widespread than in France. You might hear 'Quel âge as-tu ?' used more quickly with people of similar age, even if they aren't close friends. Respect for elders is paramount. You would almost never use 'tu' (Quel âge as-tu ?) with someone older than you; 'vous' is strictly required.
The 'To Be' Trap
Never say 'Je suis 20'. It sounds like you are literally the number 20. Always use 'J'ai'.
The 'Ans' Requirement
In English, you can say 'I am 20'. In French, you MUST include the word 'ans' (years). 'J'ai vingt' is incomplete.
Meaning
An informal question to ask someone's age.
The 'To Be' Trap
Never say 'Je suis 20'. It sounds like you are literally the number 20. Always use 'J'ai'.
The 'Ans' Requirement
In English, you can say 'I am 20'. In French, you MUST include the word 'ans' (years). 'J'ai vingt' is incomplete.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the question.
Quel âge ___ -tu ?
The subject is 'tu', so the verb 'avoir' must be conjugated as 'as'.
Fill in the missing interrogative word.
____ âge as-tu ?
'Âge' is masculine singular, so we use 'Quel'.
Complete the response to the question.
A: Quel âge as-tu ? B: ___ douze ans.
In French, you answer using 'J'ai' (I have) followed by the number of years.
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
Quel âge avez-vous ?
'Avez-vous' is the formal version used for strangers or authority figures.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
To Be vs To Have
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuel âge ___ -tu ?
The subject is 'tu', so the verb 'avoir' must be conjugated as 'as'.
____ âge as-tu ?
'Âge' is masculine singular, so we use 'Quel'.
A: Quel âge as-tu ? B: ___ douze ans.
In French, you answer using 'J'ai' (I have) followed by the number of years.
Quel âge avez-vous ?
'Avez-vous' is the formal version used for strangers or authority figures.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's very blunt and slightly rude. It's better to use the full phrase or 'Tu as quel âge ?'.
It indicates that a letter (usually 's' or 'e') was removed from the word historically.
It is always 'Quel' (masculine) because 'âge' is a masculine noun.
Related Phrases
Quel âge avez-vous ?
specialized formHow old are you? (Formal)
Tu as quel âge ?
similarHow old are you? (Casual)
Date de naissance
builds onDate of birth
