French Phrase
C'est quelle date aujourd'hui ?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to ask for the current calendar date in French. It uses the demonstrative 'ce' combined with the verb 'être' to inquire about the specific day and month.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily life when you need to check the calendar, fill out a document, or confirm a deadline. It is appropriate for both casual conversations and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estquelledateaujourd'hui
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' (it/this) and 'est' (is), used to identify things or states.
Quelle
The feminine interrogative adjective meaning 'which' or 'what', agreeing with the feminine noun 'date'.
Aujourd'hui
A fixed adverb meaning 'today'. It is never pluralized and always written with an apostrophe.
🗨In Conversation
C'est quelle date aujourd'hui ?
What is the date today?
C'est le 14 juillet, la fête nationale !
It is July 14th, the national holiday!
✕Common Mistakes
Quel est la date aujourd'hui ?
The word 'date' is feminine, so you must use the feminine form 'quelle' instead of 'quel'.
C'est quoi la date aujourd'hui ?
While used in very informal speech, 'quoi' is less grammatically correct than 'quelle' when asking for a specific piece of information like a date.
↔Alternatives
On est quel jour ?
What day is it? (literally: We are what day?)
Nous sommes le combien ?
What is the date? (literally: We are the how many?)
Cultural Tip
In France, dates are always expressed in the Day/Month/Year format. When answering this question, the French usually precede the number with the definite article 'le', for example, 'C'est le 12 mai'.