French Phrase
C'est combien, les pommes ?
Meaning
This phrase asks for the price of apples, typically heard at a market or grocery store. It literally translates to "How much is it, the apples?" and is a common, informal way to request a price in French.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are at a market stall, a supermarket, or any place where fruit is sold and you want to know the cost per kilogram or per unit. It is casual but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estcombien,lespommes?
C'est (cela est)
The contraction "C'est" is used to introduce a question about price or quantity, equivalent to "What is it?" in English.
Combien
"Combien" asks "how much/how many" and is placed after "C'est" when inquiring about price.
Definite article "les"
"Les" is the plural definite article used before a noun that is known to both speakers, here "les pommes" (the apples).
Noun gender & number
"Pommes" is a feminine plural noun; adjectives and articles must agree in gender and number.
Comma usage
A short pause (often marked by a comma in writing) separates the question phrase from the noun phrase, mirroring spoken intonation.
🗨In Conversation
C'est combien, les pommes ?
How much are the apples?
Elles sont deux euros le kilo.
They are two euros per kilogram.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est combien les pommes ?
Missing the pause/comma can make the sentence sound rushed; speakers usually insert a brief pause after "combien".
Combien les pommes ?
Without "C'est" the phrase sounds incomplete; you need a verb or copula to form a proper question.
Les pommes, c'est combien ?
While understandable, the usual order is "C'est combien, les pommes ?"; placing the noun first can sound overly formal or stilted.
↔Alternatives
Quel est le prix des pommes ?
What is the price of the apples?
Combien coûtent les pommes ?
How much do the apples cost?
Ça coûte combien, les pommes ?
How much does it cost, the apples?
Cultural Tip
In French markets, prices are usually quoted per kilogram, not per piece. When you ask "C'est combien, les pommes ?" the seller will often answer with a price per kilo. Also, "C'est combien" is informal; in a very formal setting you might prefer "Quel est le prix de ces pommes ?".