French Phrase
La bibliothèque, c'est ce grand bâtiment en pierre ?
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to ask for confirmation about the location of the library, specifically identifying it by a prominent feature: a 'big stone building'. The structure 'c'est ce...' is used to point out and inquire about a specific object or place.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are looking for a specific place, like a library, and you see a building that you suspect might be it. It's perfect for confirming your guess, especially if the building has a distinctive characteristic you can mention, like being 'big' or 'made of stone'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
La bibliothèque,c'estcegrandbâtimenten pierre?
La bibliothèque
'La bibliothèque' means 'the library'. 'La' is the feminine definite article, matching 'bibliothèque' which is a feminine noun.
C'est
'C'est' is a contraction of 'ce est' and means 'it is' or 'that is'. It's commonly used to identify people, places, or things, especially when asking for confirmation or pointing something out.
Ce
'Ce' is a masculine singular demonstrative adjective, meaning 'this' or 'that'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, which in this case is 'bâtiment' (masculine singular).
Grand bâtiment
'Grand' means 'big' or 'large', and 'bâtiment' means 'building'. In French, adjectives like 'grand' usually come before the noun they describe.
En pierre
'En pierre' means 'made of stone' or 'in stone'. 'En' is a preposition often used to indicate the material something is made of.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez-moi, je cherche la bibliothèque.
Excuse me, I'm looking for the library.
La bibliothèque, c'est ce grand bâtiment en pierre ?
The library, is that big stone building?
✕Common Mistakes
La bibliothèque, est ce grand bâtiment en pierre?
When identifying something with 'this/that is...', French typically uses 'c'est' (contraction of 'ce est') rather than just 'est'. 'Est' is used for descriptions or states, not for identification in this context.
C'est ce grand bâtiment en pierre la bibliothèque?
While understandable, the more natural and common way to ask for confirmation in spoken French is to state the subject first, then use 'c'est ce...' followed by the description, often with rising intonation.
↔Alternatives
Est-ce que la bibliothèque est ce grand bâtiment en pierre ?
Is the library that big stone building?
La bibliothèque, c'est ça ?
The library, is that it?
C'est la bibliothèque, ce bâtiment en pierre ?
Is that the library, that stone building?
Cultural Tip
In France, direct questions are common, but politeness is always appreciated. While this phrase is perfectly acceptable, adding a 'Bonjour' or 'Excusez-moi' before asking can make the interaction smoother. French people often use intonation to turn a statement into a question, as seen here, rather than always relying on 'Est-ce que...'.