French Phrase
C'est par ici qu'on va au musée ?
Meaning
Literally, "Is it this way that we go to the museum?" The speaker is confirming the direction to the museum, using the "c'est … que" construction to ask for clarification.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are unsure about the route to a specific place (e.g., a museum) and want to confirm that the path you are on is correct. It’s common in casual conversation while walking around a city.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estpariciqu'onvaaumusée?
C'est + noun
Use "C'est" to identify or point out something, followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Par ici
"Par ici" means "this way"; it's an informal way to indicate direction.
Qu' + subject + verb
The contraction "qu'" (que) introduces a relative clause after "c'est"; here it links to "on va".
On as a generic subject
"On" is the informal pronoun for "we" or "people in general" and is common in spoken French.
Verb "aller" (va)
"Va" is the third‑person singular present of "aller" (to go).
Preposition "au"
"Au" = à + le; it means "to the" before masculine singular nouns like "musée".
🗨In Conversation
C'est par ici qu'on va au musée ?
Is this the way to the museum?
Oui, continue tout droit, puis tourne à gauche au feu.
Yes, go straight ahead, then turn left at the traffic light.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est à ici qu'on va au musée ?
"à" is not used with "ici"; the correct expression is "par ici".
C'est par ici qu'on va au le musée ?
The preposition contracts: "à le" becomes "au".
On va à le musée.
Use the contraction "au" instead of "à le".
C'est par ici que on va au musée ?
Do not drop the apostrophe; "qu'" is required before a vowel sound.
↔Alternatives
On y va par ici ?
Do we go there this way?
C'est par là qu'on va au musée ?
Is it over there that we go to the museum?
Est‑ce qu'on va au musée par ici ?
Are we going to the museum this way?
Cultural Tip
In French, "par ici" is informal and often used when pointing a direction with a hand gesture. In more formal contexts you might hear "par là" or "dans cette direction". Also, French speakers frequently use "on" instead of "nous" in everyday speech, especially when giving directions.