French Phrase
Qu'est-ce que tu veux devenir ?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their future career aspirations or life path. It combines the question structure 'qu'est-ce que' (what) with the verb 'devenir' (to become) to focus on a long-term transformation. It is more common in French to use 'become' rather than 'be' when discussing future professions.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations with friends, students, or children when discussing their future plans. Since it uses 'tu', it is best suited for informal settings or when speaking to someone younger.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qu'est-ce quetuveuxdevenir
Qu'est-ce que
A common question marker used to ask 'what' at the beginning of a sentence.
Vouloir
The verb 'veux' is the 'tu' form of 'vouloir' (to want), used here to express desire or intention.
Infinitive after Vouloir
When two verbs follow each other, the second one ('devenir') remains in its infinitive form.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu veux devenir ?
What do you want to become?
Je veux devenir pilote d'avion !
I want to become an airplane pilot!
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que tu veux de devenir ?
The verb 'vouloir' is followed directly by the infinitive; do not add 'de' or 'à' between them.
Qu'est-ce que tu veux être ?
While grammatically correct, 'devenir' is much more idiomatic when asking about a future career.
↔Alternatives
Tu veux faire quoi plus tard ?
What do you want to do later?
C'est quoi ton métier de rêve ?
What is your dream job?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, discussing professional 'becoming' starts early in school. While 'devenir' is the classic verb, you will frequently hear 'faire' (to do) in everyday speech, as in 'Tu veux faire quoi ?'. Note that asking this to an adult might sound like you are questioning their current life choices, so keep it for students or hypothetical chats.