French Phrase
C'est par là ?
Meaning
Literally “Is it that way?” The speaker is asking whether a place, object, or route is located in the direction indicated, often while pointing or gesturing.
When to use
Use this informal phrase when you need clarification about a direction while on the street, in a shop, or when someone points you somewhere. It’s common in everyday conversation but less appropriate in formal written French.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estparlà?
C'est
Contraction of "ce est" used for identification; in questions it can replace "est-ce que" for a casual tone.
par
Preposition meaning "by", "through" or "via"; here it introduces the direction.
là
"There" – an adverb of place that points to a location away from the speaker.
Question intonation
Rising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a yes‑no question without needing "est‑ce que".
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, la gare, c’est par là ?
Excuse me, is the train station that way?
Oui, suivez cette rue puis tournez à gauche.
Yes, follow this street and then turn left.
✕Common Mistakes
Est‑ce par là ?
"Est‑ce" is the formal way to start a yes‑no question; with "C’est" the phrase is idiomatic and more natural in spoken French.
C’est ici ?
"Ici" means "here" (close to the speaker). Use "là" when you refer to a place away from you.
C’est par la ?
"La" is a feminine article; the correct adverb for "there" is "là".
↔Alternatives
C’est dans cette direction ?
Is it in this direction?
C’est par ici ?
Is it around here?
C’est par là‑bas ?
Is it over there?
Cultural Tip
In French, pointing while saying "C'est par là ?" is perfectly natural. Native speakers often combine the phrase with a hand gesture to make the direction clear. Avoid using it in very formal contexts (e.g., business emails); instead, opt for "Est‑ce que c’est dans cette direction ?".