French Phrase
Ce magasin est cher ?
Meaning
Literally, “Is this shop expensive?” It is used to ask whether the prices in a particular store are high, often when you are comparing it with other places or when you’re surprised by the cost of an item.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are inside or near a shop and want to know if the overall price level is high, or when you’re discussing a store’s reputation for pricey goods with a friend.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cemagasinestcher?
Ce (demonstrative adjective)
Used before a singular masculine noun to mean 'this' or 'that'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun.
magasin (noun)
A masculine singular noun meaning 'shop' or 'store'.
est (être, 3rd person singular)
The present tense of the verb 'to be' used with third‑person singular subjects.
cher (adjective)
Means 'expensive' and must agree with the noun it describes; here it stays masculine singular.
Forming a question
In spoken French you can simply raise intonation after a statement, but written French often prefers 'Est‑ce que …' or inversion 'Ce magasin est‑il cher ?'.
🗨In Conversation
Ce magasin est cher ?
Is this shop expensive?
Oui, les produits sont un peu chers, mais la qualité est excellente.
Yes, the products are a bit pricey, but the quality is excellent.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est magasin est cher.
Use 'Ce magasin' (demonstrative adjective) not 'C'est magasin' (contraction of 'cela est').
Ce magasin est chère.
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun 'magasin'; 'cher' not 'chère'.
Ce magasin est est cher.
Do not repeat the verb; only one 'est' is needed.
Ce magasin est chers.
If you keep the singular adjective 'cher', the noun must stay singular; use 'magasins' with 'chers' if you mean multiple stores.
↔Alternatives
Ce magasin est‑il cher ?
Is this shop expensive?
Est‑ce que ce magasin est cher ?
Is this shop expensive?
Les prix de ce magasin sont élevés.
The prices in this shop are high.
Cultural Tip
In formal French, avoid the simple rising‑intonation question and opt for 'Est‑ce que …' or inversion. Also, 'cher' can describe not only price but also emotional value (e.g., 'un souvenir cher'). When speaking about a shop, you can also use 'boutique' for a smaller, more specialized store.