French Phrase
C'est combien ?
Meaning
Literally 'It is how much?', this short question is used to ask the price of an item or service. It is informal and very common in everyday conversation, especially in markets, cafés, and shops.
When to use
Use it when you want to know the cost of something you are about to buy, such as a piece of fruit at a market, a souvenir in a boutique, or a ticket at a kiosk. It works best in casual settings; in more formal contexts you might choose a longer form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estcombien?
C' + est
C' is the contraction of the demonstrative pronoun 'ce' before the verb 'être' (to be). It means 'it is' or 'this is'.
Combien
Combien is an interrogative adverb meaning 'how much' or 'how many'. When used alone after a statement, it asks for the price or amount.
Word order
In informal spoken French, the structure 'C'est + combien ?' is common for asking a price, placing the verb before the interrogative.
🗨In Conversation
C'est combien ?
How much is it?
C'est cinq euros.
It's five euros.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est combien de pommes ?
‘Combien de’ is used before a noun (e.g., ‘Combien de pommes ?’). When asking a price, just use ‘C’est combien ?’ without ‘de’.
Combien c'est ?
The correct order is ‘C’est combien ?’. Reversing the order sounds unnatural in French.
C'est combien ? euros
The unit (euros) is normally given in the answer, not in the question. Keep the question short.
↔Alternatives
Ça coûte combien ?
How much does it cost?
Quel est le prix ?
What is the price?
Combien ça fait ?
How much does that make?
Cultural Tip
While 'C'est combien ?' is perfectly natural in everyday speech, adding a polite pre‑face such as 'S'il vous plaît, c'est combien ?' shows courtesy, especially with shopkeepers you don't know. In some regions of France, people may prefer the more formal 'Quel est le prix ?' in upscale boutiques. Also, remember that French prices are usually quoted in euros, so you can follow up with 'en euros' if you need clarification.