French Phrase
C'est par là qu'on va au marché ?
Meaning
This phrase is a common and idiomatic way to ask for directions in French. It literally translates to "It's by there that one goes to the market?" but is understood as "Is this the way to the market?" or "Do we go to the market this way?". It's a very natural and conversational way to inquire about a route.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are physically pointing in a direction or indicating a path and want to confirm if it leads to your desired destination. It's perfect for asking locals for confirmation when you're unsure about which street or path to take to a specific place like a market, a museum, or a train station.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estpar làqu'onvaaumarché?
C'est
This is a very common contraction of 'ce est' (it is). It's used to introduce a subject or to emphasize something, often followed by an adverbial phrase like 'par là'.
par là
Meaning 'that way' or 'by there', this phrase indicates a direction. It's often used with a gesture to specify the path being referred to.
qu'
This is a relative pronoun, a contraction of 'que' (that/which), used here to link the introductory 'C'est par là' to the action 'on va au marché'.
on
This is an indefinite pronoun meaning 'one' or 'we'. It's very frequently used in spoken French as an informal substitute for 'nous' (we) or to refer to people in general.
va (aller)
'Va' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'aller' (to go). In this context, 'on va' means 'one goes' or 'we go'.
au (à le)
'Au' is a contracted preposition, meaning 'to the' or 'at the'. It's formed by combining 'à' (to/at) and 'le' (the masculine singular definite article).
🗨In Conversation
Excusez-moi, le marché est loin d'ici ?
Excuse me, is the market far from here?
Non, pas du tout. C'est par là qu'on va au marché ?
No, not at all. Is this the way to the market?
✕Common Mistakes
Où est le marché par là?
While 'Où est le marché?' is correct for 'Where is the market?', combining it directly with 'par là' in this way sounds unnatural for asking about a route. The structure 'C'est par là qu'on va...' is more idiomatic.
C'est par là que nous allons au marché?
Using 'nous' (we) instead of 'on' (one/we) is grammatically correct but less common and sounds more formal in casual questions about general directions. 'On' is preferred for general statements or informal 'we'.
C'est par là qu'on va au marché.
Forgetting the question mark or using declarative intonation makes it a statement ('This is the way we go to the market') rather than a question, which can lead to confusion.
↔Alternatives
Comment on va au marché ?
How do we go to the market?
Le marché, c'est par où ?
The market, which way is it?
Pour aller au marché, c'est par ici ?
To go to the market, is it this way?
Cultural Tip
In France, it's common to be quite direct when asking for directions, but always remember to start with a polite greeting like "Bonjour" or "Excusez-moi" and end with "Merci beaucoup." French people generally appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if your accent isn't perfect. Don't be afraid to point or use gestures to clarify your question.