French Phrase
C'est quoi ta contre-proposition ?
Meaning
This phrase is an informal way to ask someone what their alternative suggestion or offer is, especially in a negotiation or discussion where an initial proposal has been made. It directly asks for their revised terms or ideas. It implies that the speaker is open to further discussion.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings, such as with friends, close colleagues, or in casual business discussions, when you want to know what someone's alternative offer or suggestion is after they've rejected or questioned your initial one. It's common in bargaining or problem-solving scenarios where you're looking for a compromise.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estquoitacontre-proposition
C'est quoi
This is a very common informal way to ask 'What is...?' in spoken French. It literally means 'It is what?' and replaces the more formal 'Qu'est-ce que c'est...?' or 'Quel est...?'
ta
This is the informal feminine singular possessive adjective, meaning 'your'. It must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, which in this case is 'contre-proposition' (feminine).
contre-proposition
This is a compound noun meaning 'counter-proposal'. It is a feminine noun, hence it takes feminine articles and possessive adjectives like 'la contre-proposition' or 'ta contre-proposition'.
🗨In Conversation
Je pense que 500 euros est un prix juste.
I think 500 euros is a fair price.
Hmm, c'est un peu trop pour moi. C'est quoi ta contre-proposition ?
Hmm, that's a bit much for me. What's your counter-proposal?
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que c'est votre contre-proposition?
While grammatically correct, 'C'est quoi' is much more common and natural for informal questions in spoken French. 'Votre' is also too formal if 'ta' (informal 'your') is intended.
C'est quoi ton contre-proposition?
'Contre-proposition' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine possessive adjective 'ta', not 'ton'.
↔Alternatives
Quelle est votre contre-proposition ?
What is your counter-proposal?
Vous avez une autre proposition ?
Do you have another proposal?
Qu'est-ce que tu proposes à la place ?
What do you propose instead?
Cultural Tip
French communication can often be direct, especially in business or negotiation contexts, but the level of formality (tu vs. vous) is crucial. Using 'ta' (the 'tu' form of 'your') indicates an informal relationship or a casual setting. In a more formal business negotiation, 'Quelle est votre contre-proposition ?' would be preferred to maintain politeness and respect. The concept of a 'contre-proposition' is very common in French business culture, where negotiation is often an expected part of a deal.