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French Phrase

Ça marche ?

/sa maʁʃ/
Meaning"Does it work? / Is it working? / Is it okay?"
💡

Meaning

This versatile French phrase literally translates to "That walks?" but is used to ask if something is functioning correctly, if a plan or arrangement is acceptable, or even as a casual check-in on how things are going. It's a very common and informal way to confirm understanding or agreement.

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When to use

Use "Ça marche ?" when you want to confirm if a device is working, if a proposed plan is agreeable to someone, or if a situation is proceeding as expected. It's perfect for informal settings with friends, family, or colleagues you know well.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Çamarche?

1

Ça

"Ça" is a demonstrative pronoun, a contraction of "cela" (that). It's very common in spoken French to refer to a general situation, an object, or an idea, acting as a neutral subject pronoun.

2

Marche (from marcher)

The verb "marcher" means "to walk," but it also frequently means "to work" or "to function" when referring to objects, plans, or systems. Here, it's conjugated in the third person singular present tense.

🗨In Conversation

A

On se retrouve à 18h devant le cinéma, ça marche ?

We'll meet at 6 PM in front of the cinema, is that okay?

Oui, ça marche !

Yes, that works! / Yes, it's okay!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Est-ce que ça travaille ?

    While 'travailler' means 'to work', it's typically used for people or abstract concepts (e.g., 'mon cerveau travaille'). For objects or systems functioning, 'marcher' is the correct verb.

  • Ça fonctionne ?

    This is grammatically correct and understandable, but 'Ça marche ?' is much more common and natural in everyday, informal conversation. 'Fonctionner' is slightly more formal.

↔Alternatives

  • Est-ce que ça fonctionne ?

    Does it function?

  • C'est bon ?

    Is it good? / Is it okay?

  • Tout va bien ?

    Is everything going well?

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Cultural Tip

This phrase is a cornerstone of informal French communication. Its brevity and versatility make it incredibly popular. Using "Ça marche ?" instead of more formal alternatives will make you sound much more natural and integrated into French daily life. It implies a certain level of familiarity and ease between speakers.