French Phrase
Tu vas prendre quoi ?
Meaning
Literally ‘You are going to take what?’, this phrase is the informal way to ask someone what they intend to order or pick up. It’s common in cafés, restaurants, or when sharing a menu with a friend.
When to use
Use it in relaxed, familiar settings—among friends, family, or peers. It’s perfect when you’re at a café, a buffet, or a grocery store and want to know the other person’s choice. Switch to the formal version ‘Qu’est‑ce que vous allez prendre ?’ with strangers or in professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuvasprendrequoi?
Future proche (aller + infinitif)
‘vas’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘aller’ used with an infinitive to express a near‑future action.
Infinitive ‘prendre’
The verb stays in its infinitive form after ‘aller’; it does not conjugate.
Interrogative ‘quoi’
‘quoi’ is placed after the verb in informal spoken French; in formal speech you’d use ‘qu’est‑ce que’.
Pronoun‑verb order
In casual speech the subject‑verb order stays the same; inversion (prends‑tu) is rare and sounds stiff.
🗨In Conversation
Tu vas prendre quoi ?
What are you going to have?
Je vais prendre le croissant et un café.
I’ll have a croissant and a coffee.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu vas prendre quel ?
‘Quel’ is an adjective and must agree with a noun; you need the pronoun ‘quoi’ or the clause ‘qu’est‑ce que’ here.
Tu vas prendre quoi ? (rising tone)
The phrase is already a wh‑question; using a rising intonation can make it sound like you expect a yes/no answer. Keep a neutral or slightly falling intonation.
Vous vas prendre quoi ?
Mixing pronouns breaks agreement; either use ‘Tu vas…’ or ‘Vous allez…’.
↔Alternatives
Qu’est‑ce que tu vas prendre ?
What are you going to take?
Qu’est‑ce que tu veux prendre ?
What do you want to take?
Tu prends quoi ?
What are you taking?
Qu’est‑ce que vous allez prendre ?
What are you going to take? (formal/plural)
Cultural Tip
In French cafés, it’s polite to ask the server ‘Qu’est‑ce que vous recommandez ?’ before deciding. When speaking to strangers, always use the formal ‘vous’ form. Also, French speakers often add a smile and a slight head‑nod when asking this question, signalling friendliness rather than impatience.