French Phrase
Tu prends quoi ?
Meaning
Literally ‘You take what?’, this informal question is used to ask someone what they would like to have, especially when ordering food or drinks, or when you want to know what someone is about to pick up.
When to use
Use it in casual settings with friends, family, or peers—e.g., at a café, a street market, or when sharing a meal. It’s too informal for a formal restaurant or when speaking to strangers you should address with ‘vous’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuprendsquoi?
Subject pronoun (Tu)
The informal singular 'you' used with friends, family, or peers.
Present tense of prendre
‘Prends’ is the 2nd‑person singular present form of the verb ‘prendre’ (to take).
Interrogative ‘quoi’
‘Quoi’ means ‘what’ and is placed after the verb in informal spoken French.
Question intonation
In spoken French the rising intonation at the end signals a question; the written form can also use ‘?’.
🗨In Conversation
Tu prends quoi ?
What are you having?
Je vais prendre un croissant et un café.
I’ll have a croissant and a coffee.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu prend quoi ?
The verb must agree with the subject ‘tu’; use ‘prends’ (2nd person singular).
Quoi tu prends ?
In spoken French ‘quoi’ follows the verb; the inverted form ‘Qu’est‑ce que tu prends ?’ is more correct for written questions.
Tu prends quoi
Missing the question mark can make it look like a statement; always add ‘?’ in writing.
↔Alternatives
Qu'est‑ce que tu prends ?
What are you taking?
Vous prenez quoi ?
What are you (formal/plural) taking?
Qu'est‑ce que vous désirez ?
What would you like?
Cultural Tip
In French cafés, it’s common to ask ‘Tu prends quoi ?’ among friends, but waitstaff will usually say ‘Qu’est‑ce que vous désirez ?’ or ‘Qu’est‑ce que je vous sers ?’ when addressing customers. Using ‘tu’ signals familiarity, so be sure the relationship permits it; otherwise switch to ‘vous’. Also, French speakers often add a polite ‘s’il vous plaît’ after the answer, e.g., ‘Un café, s’il vous plaît.’