est-ce qu

is it that, do (question marker)

particle es-kuh Rare

Usage Note

Est-ce qu' (before a vowel) is the standard spoken interrogative marker, equivalent to the inversion structure (Viens-tu ? → Est-ce que tu viens ? = 'Are you coming?'). It is elided to est-ce qu' before a vowel or mute h. This is by far the most common question-forming device in everyday French.

Examples

"Est-ce qu'il parle français ?"

Natural Translation

Does he speak French?

Literal Translation

Is it that he speaks French?

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