French Phrase
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a sur l'invitation ?
Meaning
Literally, 'What is there on the invitation?' It is used to ask what information (date, time, place, dress code, etc.) appears on a written invitation. The phrase can also be understood as 'What does the invitation say?'
When to use
Use this question when you have received an invitation (paper or digital) and need clarification about its details, such as the venue, time, or any special instructions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qu'est-cequ'ilyasurl'invitation?
Qu'est‑ce que / Qu'est‑ce qu'
The fixed interrogative phrase 'Qu'est‑ce que' (or contracted 'Qu'est‑ce qu'') introduces a yes‑no or information‑seeking question; the 'ce' is a neutral pronoun.
il y a
An impersonal construction meaning 'there is/are' or 'there's' that can also be used to ask about the content of something.
sur
Preposition meaning 'on' or 'about' when referring to the surface or the topic of a document.
l' (elision)
The article 'le' or 'la' drops the vowel before a word beginning with a vowel or mute h, becoming 'l''.
invitation
A feminine noun meaning 'invitation' (a written or electronic request to attend an event).
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a sur l'invitation ?
What does the invitation say?
Il y a la date, l'heure, et le code vestimentaire : tenue de soirée.
It has the date, the time, and the dress code: evening wear.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est‑ce que il y a sur l'invitation ?
The verb and pronoun must be contracted: use 'qu'il' not 'que il'.
Qu'est‑ce qu'il y a dans l'invitation ?
When referring to the printed surface, 'sur' is preferred; 'dans' would imply something inside the invitation, which is rarely intended.
Qu'est‑ce qu'il y a sur invitation ?
The article is required; 'l'' contracts with the vowel‑starting noun.
↔Alternatives
Que dit l'invitation ?
What does the invitation say?
Qu'y a‑t‑il sur l'invitation ?
What is on the invitation?
Quel est le contenu de l'invitation ?
What is the content of the invitation?
Cultural Tip
French invitations, especially for formal events (weddings, galas, official dinners), often include polite formulas like 'Vous êtes cordialement invité(e)'. Pay attention to the level of formality: use 'vous' for strangers or older people, and 'tu' only with close friends. Also, the phrase 'sur l'invitation' is common when the invitation is a physical card; for an email you might hear 'dans le mail' instead.