French Phrase
C'est quoi l'internet gigabit ?
Meaning
This phrase is a common, informal way to ask for a definition or explanation of gigabit-speed internet. It uses the 'C'est quoi' structure, which is the standard way to ask 'What is...?' in spoken French. The term 'gigabit' refers to data transfer speeds of at least 1,000 megabits per second.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations with friends, family, or tech support when you want to understand a technical term. It is appropriate for everyday spoken French but might be replaced by more formal structures in professional writing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estquoil'internetgigabit
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' (this/it) and 'est' (is), used to identify or define things.
Quoi
In this context, 'quoi' acts as an informal interrogative pronoun placed after the verb.
L'internet
The noun 'internet' is masculine and uses the elided article 'l'' because it starts with a vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Je vais changer de forfait. C'est quoi l'internet gigabit ?
I'm going to change my plan. What is gigabit internet?
C'est une connexion très rapide, jusqu'à mille mégabits par seconde.
It's a very fast connection, up to a thousand megabits per second.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est quoi l'internet gigabit ?
You cannot combine 'Qu'est' and 'quoi' in this manner; use 'C'est quoi' or 'Qu'est-ce que'.
C'est quel l'internet gigabit ?
Avoid using 'quel' (which) when asking for a general definition of a concept.
↔Alternatives
Qu'est-ce que l'internet gigabit ?
What is gigabit internet? (Standard/Formal)
C'est quoi, la fibre gigabit ?
What is gigabit fiber?
Cultural Tip
In France, the rollout of 'la fibre' (fiber optics) is a major topic. While 'Qu'est-ce que c'est' is taught in textbooks, 'C'est quoi' is the dominant form in natural, modern conversation. Using it will make you sound much more like a native speaker.