French Phrase
C'est une avant-première ?
Meaning
Literally “Is it a preview?” – the speaker is asking whether the event they are about to attend is an *avant‑première*, i.e., a special early screening before the official release.
When to use
Use this question when you’re at a cinema, theater, or gallery and you want to confirm whether the showing is a special preview for press, invited guests, or a limited audience, rather than the regular public showing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estuneavant-première?
C'est
Contraction of *ce* + *est* used for identification or description; in questions it can be informal, equivalent to “Is it…?”
une
Indefinite article for feminine nouns; matches the gender of *avant‑première*.
avant‑première
A compound noun (noun + adjective) meaning a special early showing of a film, play, or exhibition; always feminine.
Question mark
When spoken, the intonation rises at the end; written French can also use the inversion *Est‑ce* for a more formal tone.
🗨In Conversation
C'est une avant-première ?
Is this a preview?
Oui, c’est la première projection réservée aux critiques.
Yes, it’s the first screening reserved for critics.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est un avant-première.
The noun *avant‑première* is feminine, so the article must be *une*.
C'est une avant première.
The hyphen is mandatory; without it the phrase looks like two separate words and is considered a spelling error.
Est ce une avant-première ?
When using inversion, the correct form is *Est‑ce* with a hyphen and no space after *Est*.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce une avant‑première ?
Is it a preview?
C’est une première ?
Is it a premiere?
C’est une projection spéciale ?
Is it a special screening?
Cultural Tip
In France, an *avant‑première* is often a glamorous event attended by journalists, influencers, and industry insiders. It usually takes place a few days before the official release and may include a red‑carpet, a Q&A with the cast, and limited seating. Using the informal *C’est* signals a casual tone; in a formal press conference you’d prefer *Est‑ce*.