French Phrase
C'est qui ?
Meaning
Literally "It is who?" the phrase is an informal way to ask "Who is it?" or "Who's that?" It is used when you hear a knock, see someone you don’t recognize, or receive a call and need the speaker’s identity.
When to use
Use this expression in casual, spoken contexts with friends, family, or acquaintances. In formal situations or written French, prefer the more standard "Qui est‑ce ?".
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estqui?
C'est = ce + est
The contraction "C'est" combines the demonstrative pronoun "ce" (this/that) with the verb "être" (to be) and is used for identification.
Qui as subject pronoun
"Qui" is the interrogative pronoun meaning "who" and here functions as the subject of the verb "être".
Colloquial word order
In spoken French the order "C'est qui ?" is common, but the grammatically neutral form is "Qui est‑ce ?".
No inversion needed
Unlike many French questions, this phrase does not require verb‑subject inversion; the verb stays before the pronoun.
🗨In Conversation
C'est qui ?
Who is it?
C'est Marie, ta voisine du dessous.
It’s Marie, your downstairs neighbour.
✕Common Mistakes
Qui c'est ?
The order is reversed; the correct informal form is "C'est qui ?"
Qu'est qui ?
"Qu'est" is used for "what is"; for "who" you need "qui".
C'est quoi ?
"C'est quoi ?" asks about an object ("What is it?") not a person.
↔Alternatives
Qui est‑ce ?
Who is it?
C’est qui, ça ?
Who’s that?
C’est qui, ce garçon ?
Who’s that boy?
Cultural Tip
While "C'est qui ?" is perfectly natural in everyday conversation, French speakers often switch to the more formal "Qui est‑ce ?" in polite or professional settings. On the phone, you’ll also hear "Allô, c’est qui ?" as a quick way to ask for the caller’s name. Remember that the intonation rises sharply at the end, signalling a question.