French Phrase
Il y a quoi avec ce repas ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking what accompanies the meal—whether there are side dishes, sauces, or any extra items that go with it. It’s a casual way to inquire about the components of a dish or a set menu.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings such as a family dinner, a casual restaurant, or when a friend is describing a meal they’re about to serve. It’s not typically used in very formal or written contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilyaquoiaveccerepas?
Il y a
The impersonal expression 'il y a' means 'there is/are' and is used to introduce the existence of something.
Interrogative 'quoi'
'Quoi' is the informal interrogative pronoun for 'what' and can follow 'il y a' in spoken French.
Preposition 'avec'
'Avec' means 'with' and introduces the element that accompanies something.
Demonstrative adjective 'ce'
'Ce' points to a specific noun (here 'repas') and agrees in gender and number.
Word order in questions
In colloquial spoken French, you can keep the statement order and simply raise intonation, as in 'Il y a quoi…?'
🗨In Conversation
Il y a quoi avec ce repas ?
What’s with this meal?
Il y a une petite salade et une sauce au yaourt.
There’s a small salad and a yogurt sauce.
✕Common Mistakes
Quoi il y a avec ce repas ?
In spoken French the correct order is 'Il y a quoi…' not 'Quoi il y a…'.
Il y a quoi avec ce repas
Missing the question mark or rising intonation can make it sound like a statement.
Il y a quoi avec ce repas ?!
Excessive punctuation is unnecessary; a simple question mark suffices.
↔Alternatives
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a avec ce repas ?
What is there with this meal?
Qu'est-ce qu'on sert avec ce repas ?
What do they serve with this meal?
Quel accompagnement pour ce repas ?
What side dish goes with this meal?
Cultural Tip
In French cuisine, a main dish is often accompanied by a side (salade, légumes) and a sauce. Asking 'Il y a quoi avec ce repas ?' shows genuine interest in the full culinary experience. Be aware that in more formal restaurants, waiters might describe the menu themselves, so the phrase is best saved for casual dining or home meals.