French Phrase
Ça donne quoi dehors ?
Meaning
Literally, 'What does it give outside?', this colloquial phrase asks about the current conditions outside – weather, atmosphere, or any situation happening outdoors.
When to use
Use it when you step inside a building and want to know the weather, the vibe, or any activity happening outside. It’s common among friends, coworkers, or anyone speaking informally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çadonnequoidehors?
Ça
Informal pronoun meaning 'it' or 'that', derived from 'cela'. Used in spoken French.
donne
Third person singular present of the verb 'donner' (to give). Here it functions like 'what does it give' → 'what is it like'.
quoi
Interrogative pronoun meaning 'what', placed after the verb in informal questions.
dehors
Adverb meaning 'outside'.
Informal question structure
In casual speech French often uses 'verb + quoi' to ask 'what's ...?' instead of the formal 'que ... ?' or 'qu'est-ce que ... ?'.
🗨In Conversation
Ça donne quoi dehors ?
What's it like outside?
Il fait frais, il y a du vent, mais le soleil est revenu.
It's cool, a bit windy, but the sun is back.
✕Common Mistakes
Ça donner quoi dehors ?
The verb should stay in third‑person singular present (donne), not infinitive.
Ça donne qu'est‑ce dehors ?
In formal French you would use 'qu'est‑ce que' or 'quel', not 'quoi' after the verb.
Ça donne quoi à dehors ?
Do not add an extra preposition like 'à' before 'dehors'.
↔Alternatives
Quel temps fait-il dehors ?
What's the weather like outside?
Il fait comment dehors ?
How's it outside?
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a dehors ?
What's out there?
Cultural Tip
In France, asking 'Ça donne quoi?' is a very informal, almost slangy way to inquire about the current state of something. It’s perfect with peers but should be avoided in formal contexts or with strangers you don’t know well. Also, note that the phrase can be used for non‑weather situations, like 'Ça donne quoi le concert ce soir ?' (How's the concert tonight?).