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French Phrase

C'est quoi Internet DSL ?

/sɛ kwa ɛ̃.tɛʁ.nɛt dɛs.ɛl/
Meaning"What is DSL Internet?"
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Meaning

Literally, "What is DSL Internet?" It is a casual way to ask for a definition or explanation of the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) type of Internet connection.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal conversations with friends, classmates, or colleagues when you want to know what DSL Internet means, especially in a tech‑oriented discussion. In a formal setting, switch to "Qu'est‑ce que l'Internet DSL ?"

✦Grammar Breakdown

C'estquoiInternetDSL?

1

C'est

Contraction of "cela est"; used to identify or define something. In spoken French it often starts a question.

2

quoi after C'est

When "quoi" follows "c'est", the phrase becomes informal and means "what is…?" The formal equivalent is "Qu'est-ce que c'est ?"

3

Internet DSL

A noun phrase; "Internet" is a proper noun, "DSL" (Digital Subscriber Line) specifies the type of connection.

4

Question mark

The question mark indicates the whole sentence is interrogative; no inversion is needed.

🗨In Conversation

A

C'est quoi Internet DSL ?

What is DSL Internet?

C'est un type de connexion qui utilise la ligne téléphonique pour transmettre les données à haut débit.

It's a type of connection that uses the telephone line to transmit data at high speed.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Quel est Internet DSL ?

    "Quel" is used to ask about a specific noun, not a whole phrase. The correct interrogative structure is "C'est quoi…?" or "Qu'est‑ce que…?"

  • C'est quoi le Internet DSL ?

    In French, "Internet" is a proper noun and does not take the article "le". Say "Internet DSL" without an article.

  • C'est quoi DSL Internet ?

    While understandable, the natural order in French is "Internet DSL" because "Internet" is the main noun modified by the type of connection.

↔Alternatives

  • Qu'est‑ce que l'Internet DSL ?

    What is DSL Internet?

  • Qu'est‑ce que le DSL ?

    What is DSL?

  • C'est quoi le DSL ?

    What is DSL?

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Cultural Tip

The structure "C'est quoi…?" is very common in everyday spoken French, but it is considered colloquial. In written or formal French, prefer the inverted form "Qu'est‑ce que…?". Also note that DSL is being replaced by fiber‑optic connections in many French households, so younger speakers might be less familiar with the term.