Definition:
Combien is a French word that is commonly used to ask about quantity or number. It is equivalent to "how much" or "how many" in English and is used to inquire about the amount or quantity of something.
When learning French, understanding the usage of "combien" is essential for asking questions related to quantity, price, or measurements. In this guide, we'll explore the meaning, usage, and examples of this versatile French word.
Etymology:
The word "combien" comes from the Old French word "combiens," which evolved from the Latin word "quantus," meaning "how much" or "how many."
Part of Speech:
Combien
adverb /kɔ̃bjɛ̃/
Usage and Examples:
Asking about quantity: "Combien de pommes avez-vous ?" translates to "How many apples do you have?" This question is used to inquire about the number of apples someone possesses.
Inquiring about price: "Combien ça coûte ?" means "How much does it cost?" This phrase is commonly used when asking about the price of an item or service.
AI Fun Fact 😅 :
In French, "combien" is often paired with "de" to form questions about quantity, such as "combien de livres" (how many books) or "combien d'argent" (how much money).
FAQ:
- Q: Is "combien" used for asking about quantity only?
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A: While "combien" is commonly used for quantity-related questions, it can also be used to inquire about price, measurements, or numerical information.
- Q: Can "combien" be used in formal settings?
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A: Yes, "combien" is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to ask questions about quantity or number.
- Q: How do you respond to a question starting with "combien"?
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A: You can respond by providing the requested quantity or number, such as "J'ai cinq pommes" (I have five apples) or "Ça coûte dix euros" (It costs ten euros).
- Q: Are there variations of "combien" in French?
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A: Yes, there are variations like "combien de temps" (how much time), "combien de personnes" (how many people), and "combien de kilomètres" (how many kilometers).
Expressions avec "Combien" en anglais
- Combien de fois : How many times
- Combien ça coûte : How much does it cost
- Combien de personnes : How many people
- Combien de temps : How much time
- Combien de kilomètres : How many kilometers
- Combien de livres : How many books
- Combien de jours : How many days
- Combien de fois par semaine : How many times per week
- Combien de calories : How many calories
- Combien de minutes : How many minutes
- Combien de dollars : How many dollars
- Combien de personnes sont là : How many people are there
- Combien de temps cela prend-il : How much time does it take
- Combien de kilomètres à pied : How many kilometers on foot
- Combien de livres as-tu lu : How many books have you read
- Combien de jours par an : How many days per year
- Combien de fois par mois : How many times per month
- Combien de calories par jour : How many calories per day
- Combien de minutes cela prend-il : How many minutes does it take
- Combien de dollars cela coûte-t-il : How many dollars does it cost
Conclusion:
"Combien" is a versatile French word that is essential for asking questions about quantity, price, or numerical information. By mastering the usage and expressions associated with "combien," you can effectively communicate and gather information in various contexts.