French Phrase
La fête, c'est quand ?
Meaning
Literally ‘The party, it’s when?’, this informal question asks for the date or time of a celebration. It’s a quick way to check the schedule when the event has already been mentioned.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, family, or coworkers when you already know a party is planned but you need the exact timing. It’s too informal for a formal invitation or business setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lafête,c'estquand?
La (definite article)
‘La’ is the feminine singular definite article, used before a feminine noun like ‘fête’.
fête (noun)
‘fête’ means ‘party’ or ‘celebration’; it is a feminine noun, so it takes ‘la’.
c'est (ce + est)
‘c’est’ is the contraction of ‘ce’ (this/that) + ‘est’ (is). It is used to point to something previously mentioned.
quand (interrogative adverb)
‘quand’ asks for a point in time – ‘when’. It can appear after the verb or, in informal speech, after a pause as shown.
🗨In Conversation
La fête, c'est quand ?
When is the party?
C'est samedi à 19h, chez moi.
It’s Saturday at 7 p.m., at my place.
✕Common Mistakes
Quel jour est la fête ?
‘Quel jour’ asks for the day of the week, not the exact time; the natural phrasing is ‘C’est quand la fête ?’
La fête, c’est où ?
‘Où’ asks for location, not time. Use ‘quand’ for time.
C’est quand la fête
Missing the question mark and the pause; in spoken French the intonation makes it a question, but in writing you should add ‘?’
↔Alternatives
C'est quand la fête ?
When is the party?
Quand aura lieu la fête ?
When will the party take place?
À quelle date est la fête ?
On what date is the party?
Cultural Tip
In France, parties (fêtes) often start later than in many other countries – around 8 p.m. is common. If you’re invited, it’s polite to bring a small gift (wine, dessert, or a bottle of champagne). Also, French speakers may add a friendly ‘on y va ?’ (shall we go?) after confirming the time.