What does qui in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word qui in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use qui in French.

The word qui in French means who, who, which, that, whoever, one ... the other, whose, whose, to whom, who ... to, Who am I speaking to?, to whom it may concern, Tell me about it!, You're telling me!, Tell me about it!, Tell me about it!, You're telling me!, Whose turn is it? Who's next?, each one more so than the other, Cui bono?, to anyone who would listen, thriving business, up-and-coming artist, take after, fail, lose your temper, have taut skin, feel faint, feel dizzy, have a stomach that's rumbling, have a stomach that's rumbling, have a stomach that's growling, get too big for your boots, get too big for your britches, be power-hungry, lose it, go berserk, go haywire, have ears that are burning, water, have a squint, not like the look of, it's a wise man/woman who, Whoever shouts the loudest wins., Whose is it?, Whose turn is it?, You can't see the wood for the trees, It's the exception that proves the rule, It's/that's the pot calling the kettle black, it's the thought that counts, it's the thought that counts, it's/that's the final straw, a great deal of effort with little result, it's the thought that counts, you learn from your mistakes, It's a vicious circle, it is I who + [3rd person singular], Who is it?, it's you who + [3rd person singular], if you say so, that's what you say, this/it doesn't look good to me, it's not that I don't want to, it's more scared of you than you are of it, it's not just anyone, it's not just anybody, what, which, which explains, these things happen, these things happen, it's always the good ones who go first, it's always the good ones who die first, that doesn't seem good, it doesn't seem good, at whose house, for whom, make of it what you will, understand if you will, for those who know what I mean, understand if you will, contrary to what has been said…, over the next few hours, in the coming hours, in the hours ahead, in the next few days, over the next few days, killer, from whom, about whom, better tomorrows, tell anyone who will listen, concerning, personally, be the kind of person who, be on the alert, do everything in your power, women like a man with a sense of humour, coarse red wine, honi soit qui mal y pense, some, some people, It's the quiet ones you have to watch, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear, there's not a living soul, there'll be no, the first step is always the hardest, A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never, no buts, no buts about it, someone needs a slap!, there is something not quite right about him, I think I'm missing something, turn your loss into a win, the early bird catches the worm, revenge is a dish best served cold, better days to come, Mind your own business, anyone, anybody, anyone, anybody, not be a living soul, at the present moment. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word qui

who

pronom (dans une interrogation)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Qui viendra dîner ce soir ?

Who is coming to dinner tonight?

who

(introduit une subordonnée relative) (person)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

L'homme qui danse avec elle est son mari.

The man who is dancing with her is her husband.

which, that

(après une préposition) (object)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Les enfants avec qui il joue habitent dans cet immeuble.

The children who he is playing with live in this building.

whoever

pronom (qui que ce soit)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Qui que vous soyez, passez votre chemin.

Whoever you are, go on your way.

one ... the other

pronom (littéraire (l'un, l'autre)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ils sont partis qui d'un côté qui de l'autre.

They left; one in one direction, the other in the other direction.

whose

(interroge sur la possession)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

À qui est ce chapeau ? Ils sont à qui, ces stylos ?

whose

(interroge sur la possession)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Désolée, je ne sais pas à qui est ce chapeau. Je me demande à qui sont ces stylos.

Sorry, I don't know whose hat this is. // I wonder whose these pens are.

to whom

(interroge sur le destinataire)

À qui s'adresse ce produit ? À qui dois-je m'adresser pour obtenir une réponse ?

Who should I ask to get an answer?

who ... to

(renseigne sur [qqn])

Fais attention à qui tu parles. Je ne sais pas à qui faire confiance.

I don't know who to trust.

Who am I speaking to?

(quel est votre nom ?) (on phone)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

On ne se connaît pas. À qui ai-je l'honneur ?

to whom it may concern

locution adverbiale (aux personnes concernées)

Transmettez ce document à qui de droit.

Send this document to whom it may concern.

Tell me about it!, You're telling me!

(je suis bien d'accord) (ironic, informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

– Les enfants, c'est du boulot ! – À qui le dis-tu !

Tell me about it!

(J'en suis convaincu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Tell me about it!, You're telling me!

(populaire (je suis bien d'accord) (ironic, informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Whose turn is it? Who's next?

(queue : quel est le suivant ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

each one more so than the other

locution adverbiale (chacun cherchant à faire mieux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Leur dispute n'en finissait pas : chacun renchérissait à qui mieux mieux.

Cui bono?

(quels sont ceux que ça arrange ?) (Latin)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

to anyone who would listen

(à tout le monde)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il annonce son mariage à qui veut l'entendre.

thriving business

nom féminin (commerce prospère)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

up-and-coming artist

nom masculin et féminin (artiste qui est reconnu)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

take after

locution verbale (avoir un caractère héréditaire)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])

fail

locution verbale (ne plus se souvenir de [qch]) (memory as subject)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. His memory failed him; he couldn't finish what he had started to say.

lose your temper

locution verbale (être en colère)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have taut skin

locution verbale (avoir la peau trop sèche)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

feel faint, feel dizzy

locution verbale (perdre l'équilibre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

I have drunk 3 glasses of wine, my head is spinning.

have a stomach that's rumbling

locution verbale (digérer avec des gaz)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Après avoir mangé de la choucroute, j'ai souvent le ventre qui gargouille.

have a stomach that's rumbling, have a stomach that's growling

locution verbale (avoir faim)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il est temps que j'aille déjeuner, j'ai le ventre qui gargouille.

get too big for your boots, get too big for your britches

locution verbale (figuré, familier (se montrer prétentieux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be power-hungry

locution verbale (figuré, péjoratif (être ambitieux) (pejorative)

lose it, go berserk, go haywire

locution verbale (familier (être dérangé, fou) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have ears that are burning

locution verbale (figuré (être présumément critiqué) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. His ears must have been burning, they talked about him all night.

water

locution verbale (pleurer) (eyes)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Avec tout ce vent, j'ai les yeux qui pleurent.

With all this wind my eyes are watering.

have a squint

locution verbale (populaire (loucher)

not like the look of

locution verbale (familier (ne pas être apprécié par [qqn]) (subject/object inversion)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les brutes ont frappé le jeune homme juste parce que celui-ci avait une tête qui ne leur revenait pas.

it's a wise man/woman who

locution adverbiale (il faudra de l'ingéniosité pour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Whoever shouts the loudest wins.

(situation où tous parlent en même temps)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Whose is it?

(ça appartient à qui ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Oh, regardez, un ballon : c'est à qui ?

Whose turn is it?

(à qui le tour ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

You can't see the wood for the trees

(un détail cache l'ensemble) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's the exception that proves the rule

(ce cas échappe à la règle générale)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's/that's the pot calling the kettle black

(familier (être dans la même situation et se moquer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's the thought that counts

(c'est gentil, aimable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's the thought that counts

(c'est bien essayé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's/that's the final straw

(figuré (fait final qui déclenche une réaction)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Cet énième refus, c'est la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase !

a great deal of effort with little result

(ça ne débouche pas sur grand-chose)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's the thought that counts

(figuré (reconnaissance de l'intention du cadeau)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est un petit cadeau, mais c'est le geste qui compte.

It's only a small gift but it's the thought that counts.

you learn from your mistakes

(figuré (on apprend de ses erreurs)

It's a vicious circle

(cercle vicieux, [qch] sans fin)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Pour décrocher un emploi, il faut un logement mais pour trouver un logement, il faut un emploi : c'est le serpent qui se mord la queue !

To get a job, you need accommodation, but to get accommodation, you need a job; it's a vicious circle!

it is I who + [3rd person singular]

(emphase pour je) (formal)

C'est moi qui décide ici, pas lui !

Who is it?

(familier (demande d'identification)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est qui ? demanda la vieille dame à la personne qui frappait à sa porte.

"Who is it?" the old lady asked the person who was knocking at her door.

it's you who + [3rd person singular]

(emphase pour tu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est toi qui t'occuperas de la logistique.

if you say so

(ironique (c'est ta version) (ironic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il ne boit plus, il ne boit plus, c'est toi qui le dis !

that's what you say

(C'est votre opinion !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

- Ce n'est pas sa faute ! - C'est vous qui le dites !

this/it doesn't look good to me

(ça ne m'inspire pas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ça ne me dit rien qui vaille, toute cette attente.

it's not that I don't want to

(j'ai bien envie de faire [qch])

I'd like to, but I just haven't got time this week.

it's more scared of you than you are of it

(familier (cela ne te fera pas de mal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's not just anyone, it's not just anybody

(c'est [qqn] d’important)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Fais l'effort de te déplacer, ce n'est pas n'importe qui, c'est le président !

what

pronom (antécédent de pronom sujet)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Ce qui m'a plu dans ce film, c'est l'ambiance onirique.

What I liked about this film is the dreamlike atmosphere.

which

pronom (antécédent de proposition)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Le client a répondu à son portable pendant que je lui parlais, ce qui n'est pas très poli.

The customer answered his mobile phone whilst I was speaking to him, which is not very polite.

which explains

(c'est la raison pour laquelle)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

these things happen

(ce n'est pas très grave)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

these things happen

(c'est la fatalité)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's always the good ones who go first, it's always the good ones who die first

(les plus gentils meurent en premier)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Sa mort nous désole tous, ce sont toujours les meilleurs qui s'en vont les premiers.

that doesn't seem good, it doesn't seem good

(cela ne m'inspire pas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Toute cette attente, cela ne me dit rien qui vaille.

at whose house

locution conjonction (au domicile de qui)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

for whom

locution conjonction (pour lesquels, pour lesquelles)

Voici les personnes chez qui un diabète a été diagnostiqué.

make of it what you will

(se dit quand on ne peut en dire plus)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

understand if you will

(comprendra qui s'en donnera la peine)

for those who know what I mean

(se dit quand on ne peut expliquer plus)

understand if you will

(comprendra qui s'en donnera la peine)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

contrary to what has been said…

locution adverbiale (en opposition à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

over the next few hours, in the coming hours, in the hours ahead

locution adverbiale (dans les heures qui viennent)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in the next few days, over the next few days

locution verbale (prochainement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

killer

locution adjectivale (familier (extrême) (figurative, slang)

(noun as adjective: Describes another noun--for example, "boat race," "dogfood.")

Le parapente, c'est un sport de la mort qui tue !

from whom, about whom

(duquel, de laquelle)

C'est la femme de qui je tiens ces informations.

better tomorrows

nom masculin pluriel (figuré (un avenir meilleur) (figurative)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Les révolutionnaires promettent toujours des lendemains qui chantent.

tell anyone who will listen

locution verbale (dire à tout le monde)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il dit à qui veut l'entendre que son fils se marie.

He's telling anyone who will listen that his son is getting married.

concerning

(quant à, à propos de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

En ce qui concerne la date, je te laisse le choix.

As far as the date is concerned, I'll leave that up to you.

personally

locution adverbiale (personnellement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

En ce qui me concerne, je n'irai pas à cette soirée.

I'm not going to that party myself.

be the kind of person who

locution verbale (faire partie de ceux qui)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be on the alert

locution verbale (être en alerte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

do everything in your power

locution verbale (faire le maximum)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

women like a man with a sense of humour

(femme qui rit est à moitié séduite) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

coarse red wine

nom masculin (populaire, péjoratif (vin rouge quelconque)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

honi soit qui mal y pense

(devise de la royauté britannique) (motto: Order of the Garter)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

some, some people

(il existe des gens qui)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

It's the quiet ones you have to watch

(attention à ce qui paraît calme)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there are none so deaf as those who will not hear

(on ne peut convaincre qui n'écoute pas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Nous lui avons expliqué plusieurs fois les dangers de la situation mais que veux-tu, il n'est pas pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre.

there's not a living soul

(c'est désert)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there'll be no

(pour contrer une objection)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

J'ai dit « au lit » ! Et il n'y a pas de « mais, papa » qui tienne !

the first step is always the hardest

(il faut oser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Je vais en parler au directeur. Il n'y a que le premier pas qui coûte.

A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never

(justifie un revirement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

no buts, no buts about it

interjection (aucune objection n'est permise)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Va ranger ta chambre ! Et il n'y a pas de mais qui tienne !

someone needs a slap!

(Certains nécessiteraient une correction) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ce gamin est vraiment horrible ! Il y a des claques qui se perdent !

there is something not quite right about him

(il a quelque chose de bizarre)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I think I'm missing something

(je n'ai pas tout compris)

turn your loss into a win

locution verbale (figuré, familier (bénéficier d'un désavantage)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

the early bird catches the worm

(il ne faut pas tarder à agir) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

revenge is a dish best served cold

(il faut attendre pour se venger)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

better days to come

nom masculin (jour censément meilleur)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Nous aimerions tous croire à des lendemains qui chanteraient.

Mind your own business

(ne t'occupe pas de mes affaires) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

anyone, anybody

(une personne quelconque)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

N'importe qui peut ouvrir un site web de nos jours. Ne parle pas en ligne avec n'importe qui.

Anyone can set up a website these days.

anyone, anybody

(personne insignifiante)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Tu as vu le thon là-bas ? Ils laissent vraiment entrer n'importe qui dans cette boîte maintenant ! Mon beau-frère, ce n'est pas n'importe qui. Il est champion de France du 100 m !

Don't go chatting online with just anyone! // My brother-in-law is not just anyone. He is the French 100m champion!

not be a living soul

locution verbale (être déserté)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Quand vous traversez mon village la nuit, il n'y a pas âme qui vive dans les rues.

at the present moment

(dans la conjoncture actuelle)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Par les temps qui courent, il nous est difficile de déménager dans un appartement plus grand.

Let's learn French

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