SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Talk About Me

French Phrase

Qu'est-ce qui a fait de toi ce que tu es aujourd'hui ?

/kɛs.ki a fɛ də twa sə kə ty ɛ o.ʒuʁ.dɥi/
Meaning"What made you who you are today?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a deep, introspective question used to inquire about the life events, influences, and experiences that shaped a person's character. It looks for the 'why' behind a person's current identity and values. It implies a sense of transformation and growth over time.

🎯

When to use

Use this during deep, meaningful conversations with friends, partners, or in a formal interview setting where personal history is relevant. It is best reserved for moments of vulnerability or philosophical discussion rather than casual small talk.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Qu'est-ce quia faitde toice quetu esaujourd'hui

1

Qu'est-ce qui

This multi-word expression acts as the subject of the sentence, meaning 'what' when asking about a thing that performs an action.

2

Faire de

The verb 'faire' combined with 'de' is used here to mean 'to turn into' or 'to make someone into something'.

3

Ce que

This is a relative pronoun meaning 'that which' or 'what', used here to introduce the state of being.

🗨In Conversation

A

Tu as une vision de la vie très inspirante. Qu'est-ce qui a fait de toi ce que tu es aujourd'hui ?

You have a very inspiring vision of life. What made you who you are today?

Mes voyages en solitaire et mes échecs m'ont beaucoup appris.

My solo travels and my failures taught me a lot.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Qu'est-ce que a fait de toi ce que tu es ?

    When the 'what' is the subject of the verb, you must use 'qui' instead of 'que'.

  • Qu'est-ce qui a fait à toi ce que tu es ?

    The expression is 'faire de quelqu'un quelque chose', using the preposition 'de' to indicate transformation.

↔Alternatives

  • Qu'est-ce qui t'a façonné ?

    What shaped you?

  • Comment es-tu devenu la personne que tu es ?

    How did you become the person you are?

fr

Cultural Tip

In French culture, engaging in 'conversations profondes' (deep conversations) is highly valued as a way to build true rapport. While Americans might stick to small talk, the French often appreciate questions that allow for intellectual or emotional depth, provided the setting is appropriate.