What are Relative Pronouns Qui and Que?
Relative pronouns qui and que are essential connectors in French grammar — they link a dependent clause to a noun. Qui acts as a subject, while que acts as a direct object, and choosing the right one is key to correct French sentences.
Qui and que are relative pronouns that connect clauses. Qui refers to the subject of the relative clause, and que refers to the direct object. Both link back to an antecedent noun.
- •Refers to subject of relative clause
- •Example: L'homme qui parle (the man who speaks)
- •Used when the relative pronoun does the action
- •Refers to direct object of relative clause
- •Example: Le livre que j'ai vu (the book that I saw)
- •Used when the relative pronoun receives the action
Step-by-step worked examples
Complete: La femme ___ habite ici parle français.
The woman lives here (she does the action) → use qui Answer: La femme qui habite ici parle français.
Complete: Le film ___ nous avons regardé était excellent.
We watched the film (film receives the action) → use que Answer: Le film que nous avons regardé était excellent.
Complete: L'élève ___ a gagné le prix est très intelligent.
The student won (student does the action) → use qui Answer: L'élève qui a gagné le prix est très intelligent.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Choose the correct pronoun: Le professeur ___ enseigne l'anglais est très sympathique.
Q2.Choose the correct pronoun: La chanson ___ tu écoutes est très jolie.
Q3.Choose the correct pronoun: Les amis ___ sont venus hier soir étaient sympathiques.
Q4.Complete: C'est l'auteur ___ j'admire le plus.
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Common mistakes
Using 'que' when the pronoun is the subject. — Correct: Use 'qui' for the subject: L'homme qui parle (not que).
Using 'qui' when the pronoun is the direct object. — Correct: Use 'que' for the direct object: Le livre que j'aime (not qui).
Forgetting that 'qui' and 'que' refer back to a specific noun. — Correct: Always identify the antecedent to choose correctly.
Confusing relative pronouns with interrogative pronouns. — Correct: Relative pronouns introduce clauses (qui/que); interrogatives ask questions (qui?).
FAQ
What is the difference between qui and que in French?
Qui refers to the subject of the relative clause (the one acting), and que refers to the direct object (receiving the action).
How do I know whether to use qui or que?
Ask: does the relative pronoun do the action (qui) or receive it (que)? This determines which pronoun to use.
Can I use 'qui' and 'que' with the same noun?
Yes, but in different sentences depending on the role. The pronoun changes based on grammar, not the noun.
Are there other relative pronouns besides qui and que?
Yes — dont (of which/whose) and où (where) also exist, but qui and que are the most common.