French Phrase
Internet par câble, c'est rapide ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether an internet connection that uses cable (coaxial or coax) provides a fast speed. It’s a quick way to compare cable internet with other technologies such as DSL or fiber.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re discussing different internet providers, evaluating a new plan, or simply curious about the performance of a cable‑based service. It works in informal conversation, tech‑store inquiries, or online forums.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Internetparcâble,c'estrapide?
par (preposition)
‘par’ introduces the means or medium, here indicating the type of connection (by cable).
c'est (ce + est)
The contraction ‘c'’ stands for ‘ce’, and together with ‘est’ forms ‘c’est’, meaning ‘it is/that is’.
Adjective placement
With ‘c’est’, the adjective follows the verb (c’est rapide). No agreement is needed because the subject is the impersonal ‘ce’.
Question intonation
In spoken French, a simple statement can become a question by raising intonation; no inversion is required.
🗨In Conversation
Internet par câble, c'est rapide ?
Cable internet, is it fast?
Oui, il peut atteindre 100 Mbps, mais la vitesse dépend de la zone.
Yes, it can reach 100 Mbps, but the speed depends on the area.
✕Common Mistakes
Internet par cable, c'est rapide ?
The word needs the accent: ‘câble’. Without it the spelling is incorrect in French.
Internet par le câble, c'est rapide ?
When talking about the type of connection, the preposition ‘par’ is used without the article. ‘Par le câble’ sounds like you’re referring to a specific physical cable.
Internet par câble, c'est rapide.
If you want to keep it a question, you need the rising intonation or a question mark; a period turns it into a statement.
↔Alternatives
Le câble, c'est rapide pour Internet ?
Cable, is it fast for the internet?
L'Internet via câble, c'est rapide ?
Internet via cable, is it fast?
Le haut débit par câble, c'est rapide ?
High‑speed cable, is it fast?
Cultural Tip
In France, ‘câble’ usually refers to the coaxial‑cable TV network that also offers internet (often called ‘Internet par câble’). It’s less common than ‘fibre optique’, which is now the preferred high‑speed option in many urban areas. When speaking to a French speaker, you might also hear ‘connexion par câble’ or ‘offre câble’ to sound more natural.