Meaning
Asking for someone's age (informal/formal).
Cultural Background
Asking age is often considered personal. It's better to wait for someone to mention it or use the birth year trick. Age is highly respected. Asking an elder's age is a way to acknowledge their status as a 'sage' (wise person). The 'tu' form is used much more freely. You might hear 'Quel âge t'as ?' even from people you've just met. Similar to France, but the atmosphere can be slightly more relaxed in social gatherings.
The 'Être' Trap
Never say 'Je suis 20'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'J'ai'.
The 'Ans' Rule
Always include the word 'ans' at the end of your answer. 'J'ai 20' is incorrect; 'J'ai 20 ans' is perfect.
Meaning
Asking for someone's age (informal/formal).
The 'Être' Trap
Never say 'Je suis 20'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'J'ai'.
The 'Ans' Rule
Always include the word 'ans' at the end of your answer. 'J'ai 20' is incorrect; 'J'ai 20 ans' is perfect.
Polite Inversion
When asking an adult, 'Quel âge avez-vous ?' is much more polite than 'Vous avez quel âge ?'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the question.
Quel âge _____-tu ?
You must use the verb 'avoir' conjugated for 'tu', which is 'as'.
Fill in the missing word in this formal question.
Quel ____ avez-vous ?
The noun 'âge' is required to complete the phrase 'What age do you have?'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Léo: Salut ! Quel âge as-tu ? Marc: ________.
In French, you answer with 'J'ai' (I have) followed by the number and 'ans'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Quel âge avez-vous ?'
'Avez-vous' is the formal form, used with strangers or officials.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Avoir vs Être
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuel âge _____-tu ?
You must use the verb 'avoir' conjugated for 'tu', which is 'as'.
Quel ____ avez-vous ?
The noun 'âge' is required to complete the phrase 'What age do you have?'.
Léo: Salut ! Quel âge as-tu ? Marc: ________.
In French, you answer with 'J'ai' (I have) followed by the number and 'ans'.
Phrase: 'Quel âge avez-vous ?'
'Avez-vous' is the formal form, used with strangers or officials.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be, especially with adults you don't know well. It's safer to wait for them to mention it.
Because French views age as something you possess (years accumulated) rather than a state of being.
Yes, it's correct but less common in spoken conversation than 'Quel âge as-tu?'.
You would say 'Quels âges avez-vous ?', but usually, you'd ask individuals one by one.
'T'as quel âge ?' is the most casual version used among friends.
Yes, in written French, inverted questions always require a hyphen.
You say 'Quel âge a-t-il ?'. Note the extra 't' for pronunciation.
You can say 'C'est un secret !' or 'Ça ne se demande pas !' (jokingly).
It is masculine: 'un âge', 'quel âge'.
Usually, for objects, we ask 'De quand date... ?' or 'Quel âge a ce... ?'.
Related Phrases
J'ai ... ans
builds onI am ... years old
Quel est votre âge ?
similarWhat is your age?
Être majeur
specialized formTo be of legal age
Prendre de l'âge
similarTo get older
