French Phrase
Que penses-tu de cette proposition ?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to ask someone for their opinion on a specific idea, suggestion, or plan. It's used to solicit feedback and understand another person's perspective on something that has been presented or discussed. It implies that a 'proposition' (proposal) has already been made.
When to use
You would use this phrase in various contexts, such as a business meeting when presenting an idea, a casual discussion among friends about a plan, or when seeking feedback on a suggestion you've put forward. It's suitable for situations where you want to gauge someone's reaction or get their input on a concrete proposal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quepenses-tudecetteproposition
Que (interrogative pronoun)
'Que' is an interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. It is used at the beginning of a question when the 'what' is the direct object of the verb. It often requires inversion or 'est-ce que'.
penses-tu (verb 'penser' + pronoun 'tu')
'Penses-tu' is the inverted form of 'tu penses' (you think). Inversion is a common way to form questions in French, especially with interrogative pronouns like 'que'.
de (preposition)
'De' is a preposition meaning 'of' or 'about'. When asking for an opinion on something with the verb 'penser', 'de' is the correct preposition to use.
cette (demonstrative adjective)
'Cette' is a feminine singular demonstrative adjective, meaning 'this' or 'that'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, which in this case is 'proposition' (feminine singular).
proposition (noun)
'Proposition' is a feminine noun meaning 'proposal', 'suggestion', or 'offer'. It refers to an idea or plan put forward for consideration.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai préparé un nouveau plan pour le projet. Que penses-tu de cette proposition ?
I've prepared a new plan for the project. What do you think of this proposal?
C'est intéressant, j'aime bien l'idée principale, mais j'ai quelques questions sur les détails.
It's interesting, I like the main idea, but I have a few questions about the details.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que tu penses à cette proposition ?
The correct preposition to use with 'penser' when asking for an opinion on something is 'de', not 'à'.
Tu penses quoi de cette proposition ?
While grammatically understandable, this is very informal and less elegant than the inversion 'Que penses-tu' or 'Qu'est-ce que tu penses'.
Que tu penses de cette proposition ?
In formal or standard interrogative sentences with 'que', inversion of the subject and verb is required (penses-tu), or use 'Qu'est-ce que'.
↔Alternatives
Qu'en penses-tu ?
What do you think of it?
Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette proposition ?
What is it that you think of this proposal?
Quel est ton avis sur cette proposition ?
What is your opinion on this proposal?
Comment trouves-tu cette proposition ?
How do you find this proposal?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, asking for opinions is common and valued, especially in professional or academic settings. While 'tu' is used here, remember to switch to 'vous' (Que pensez-vous de cette proposition ?) when addressing someone formally, a group, or someone you don't know well. French communication can be quite direct, and this phrase is a straightforward way to solicit feedback.