/pas t il/
Translation
what is happening? (what passes?)
Word origin
The interrogative inversion of (se) passer ('to pass, to happen'), from Vulgar Latin passare, from Latin passus ('step, pace'). The inserted -t- is a euphonic consonant easing the liaison between two vowels.
- Origin
- Vulgar Latin
- Root
- passare
- English cognates
- pass, pace
Examples
'- -- ? .
What is happening outside? There is a lot of noise.
-- ? l' .
What is happening here? Everyone looks worried.
-- ? ?
What happens if we refuse their offer? What do we risk?
-- cette ?
What's happening in the street at this hour?
-- l' cette ?
How is it going at school this week?
-t- est la forme interrogative avec inversion de il se passe ou il passe, dans des formules comme que se passe-t-il ? (what is happening?) ou que passe-t-il ? (what happens?). Le -t- est un t euphonique inserere entre deux voyelles pour faciliter la liaison.
Que se passe-t-il ? est l'une des formules interrogatives les plus courantes du francais, equivalente a What is going on? La construction se passer est un verbe pronominal impersonnel dans ce contexte. Il se passe quelque chose d'etrange (something strange is happening) illustre l'usage non interrogatif.
Where this fits
Add to review queue
Track this word in your spaced-repetition queue and be tested on it at the right interval.
Go to my review queueFrench · Free printables
passe-t-il: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "passe-t-il" (what is happening? (what passes?)): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 16.