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French Phrase

Qu'est-ce qui t'amène aujourd'hui ?

/kɛs‿ki ta.mɛn‿o.ʒuʁ.dɥi/
Meaning"What brings you here today?"
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Meaning

Literally, "What is it that brings you today?" In everyday French it is used to ask why someone is present or what has motivated them to be there at this moment.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you meet a friend, a colleague, or a stranger and want to know the reason for their visit. It works in casual settings (cafés, parks) and can be made formal by switching to "vous".

✦Grammar Breakdown

Qu'est-cequit'amèneaujourd'hui?

1

Qu'est‑ce

The fixed interrogative phrase "Qu'est‑ce que/qui" introduces a question; it literally means "what is it that".

2

qui

Relative pronoun meaning "who/that"; here it refers to the subject of the verb "amène".

3

t'amène

Verb "amener" (to bring) conjugated in the present 3rd person singular with the object pronoun "t'" (te). It asks what brings *you*.

4

aujourd'hui

Adverb of time meaning "today"; placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.

🗨In Conversation

A

Qu'est-ce qui t'amène aujourd'hui ?

What brings you here today?

Je viens chercher un nouveau roman à la librairie.

I’m here to look for a new novel at the bookstore.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Qu'est‑ce que t'amène aujourd'hui ?

    The correct interrogative structure is "Qu'est‑ce qui…" not "Qu'est‑ce que…" when the verb follows a subject pronoun.

  • Qu'est‑ce qui tamène aujourd'hui ?

    Do not drop the apostrophe; "t'amène" contracts "te amène". Writing "tamène" is incorrect.

  • Qu'est‑ce qui aujourd'hui t'amène ?

    Avoid placing "aujourd'hui" before the verb; it normally comes at the end of the sentence.

↔Alternatives

  • Qu'est‑ce qui vous amène aujourd'hui ?

    What brings you (formal) here today?

  • Pourquoi es‑tu ici aujourd'hui ?

    Why are you here today?

  • Qu'est‑ce qui t'a conduit ici aujourd'hui ?

    What has led you here today?

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Cultural Tip

In French, the level of formality is crucial. Use "t'" only with people you know well or who have invited you to use "tu". In a shop or with a stranger, switch to "vous" (Qu'est‑ce qui vous amène aujourd'hui ?) to sound polite. Also, the liaison between "qui" and "t'amène" (ki‑ta) is natural in spoken French, so practice it to sound fluent.