SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Taking The Transport

French Phrase

Ça veut dire quoi, ces panneaux ?

/sa vø diʁ kwa se pɑ̃no/
Meaning"What does that mean, these signs?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, 'What does that mean, these signs?' It is a casual way to ask for the meaning or purpose of signs you have just seen, such as road signs, informational boards, or any written notices.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you encounter signage in a French‑speaking environment and you’re unsure of its message—on a street, in a museum, at a train station, or even in a shop window. It’s informal, so it works best with friends, fellow travelers, or staff you’re on a first‑name basis with.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Çaveutdirequoi,cespanneaux?

1

Ça

Informal demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'this', used in spoken French.

2

veut dire

Fixed expression meaning 'means' or 'to mean'; literally 'wants to say'.

3

quoi after verb

When asking 'what' after a verb, French often places 'quoi' after the verb (e.g., 'ça veut dire quoi?').

4

ces

Demonstrative adjective meaning 'these' (plural, masculine/feminine).

5

panneaux

Plural noun meaning 'signs' or 'boards'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ça veut dire quoi, ces panneaux ?

What do these signs mean?

Ils indiquent que le parking est réservé aux résidents.

They indicate that the parking is reserved for residents.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ça veut dire que, ces panneaux ?

    Using 'que' after the verb sounds unnatural; French prefers 'quoi' in this construction.

  • C'est quoi, ces panneaux ?

    'C'est' changes the meaning to 'What is this?' rather than asking about the meaning of the signs.

  • Ces panneaux veut dire quoi ?

    Word order is incorrect; the verb phrase must precede the interrogative 'quoi'.

↔Alternatives

  • Qu'est-ce que ces panneaux signifient ?

    What do these signs signify?

  • Ces panneaux, c'est quoi ?

    These signs, what are they?

  • Que veut dire ce panneau ?

    What does this sign mean?

fr

Cultural Tip

French signage often follows strict regulations, especially on roads. While the phrase is informal, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask locals for clarification. In more formal contexts (e.g., speaking to a police officer), you might prefer the full form 'Que signifie ce panneau ?' to show politeness.