Asking yes/no questions in French with intonation, est-ce que, n'est-ce pas (French Questions)

Take the fastest path to fluent French

In French, there are the three simple ways to turn a statement into a question are.

Learn how to make simple questions in French

1. Use intonation

Just as in English, you can state something with a querying tone (or in written form add a question mark).

Tu arrives bientôt ?You're arriving soon?

2. Prefix Est-ce que...

Is it that... added to the beginning of a statement is a common way to start a question:

Est-ce que tu as faim ?Are you hungry?

Est-ce que tu parles anglais ?Do you speak English?

3. Append ...n'est-ce pas?

Pronounced "ness pah", this is like adding is it not?  to the end.  

Tu es Jane, n'est-ce pas ?You are Jane, aren't you?

Tu parles anglais, n'est-ce pas ?You speak English, don't you?

Unlike English, French doesn't have different forms like don't you, haven't you etc. so it's always isn't it?

We might say Do you have any change?  but in French you cannot say Fais-tu avoir de la monnaie?

See also the inverted way to ask questions: Inverted questions in the present tense (Le Présent) in French - regular forms (except il/elle/on forms)Inverted questions in the present tense (Le Présent) in French - il/elle/on forms

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

Tu es Jane, n'est-ce pas ?You are Jane, aren't you?
Tu parles anglais, n'est-ce pas ?You speak English, don't you?
Est-ce que tu as un chien ?Do you have a dog?
Tu arrives bientôt ?You're arriving soon?
Est-ce que tu as faim ?Are you hungry?
Est-ce que tu parles anglais ?Do you speak English?
Thinking...