How to Ask 'How Much Is This?' in French and Understand the Answer
Learn to ask the price of an item in French and understand the response, with phrases for pointing, asking, and clarifying.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're shopping in a French-speaking place, the most useful question you can ask is 'How much is this?' This lesson teaches you exactly how to ask that question and how to understand the answer. You'll learn the key phrase 'C'est combien ?' and its more formal variant, plus how to point at an item and ask its price. You'll also learn to recognize numbers and common responses like 'C'est cinq euros' or 'Ça fait dix euros.' By the end, you'll be able to handle a simple price exchange with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask how much an item costs in French.
- understand a simple price response in French.
- point to an item and ask its price politely.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
C'est combien ?
How much is it?
say kohn-BYAN
The most common informal way to ask the price of something you're pointing at or holding.
Combien ça coûte ?
How much does it cost?
kohn-BYAN sah KOOT
A slightly more explicit way to ask the cost; works in most everyday situations.
Ça fait combien ?
How much does that come to?
sah fay kohn-BYAN
Often used when the total is being calculated, for example at a market or bakery.
Quel est le prix ?
What is the price?
kel ay luh PREE
More formal; suitable in a shop or when speaking to a vendor you don't know well.
C'est cinq euros.
It's five euros.
say sank uh-ROH
A typical answer. Note that 'euros' is pronounced 'uh-ROH' with a silent s.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask the price of a specific item, you can use 'C'est combien ?' while pointing at it. If you want to be more precise, say 'C'est combien, ça ?' (How much is that?). The response often starts with 'C'est' (It's) or 'Ça fait' (That comes to). For example: 'C'est dix euros.' (It's ten euros.) or 'Ça fait quinze euros cinquante.' (That comes to fifteen euros fifty.) You can also ask 'Combien coûte cette chemise ?' (How much does this shirt cost?) but that is more formal.
When to use it
Use 'C'est combien ?' in casual settings like markets, small shops, or with friends. Use 'Quel est le prix ?' in more formal contexts, such as a department store or when speaking to a shopkeeper you don't know. If you're asking about multiple items, you can say 'C'est combien en tout ?' (How much is it in total?). At a bakery, you might hear 'Ça fait combien ?' from the vendor. Always listen for the number and the word 'euros' or 'centimes'.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, c'est combien ?
Hello, how much is it?bohn-ZHOOR, say kohn-BYANC'est huit euros.
It's eight euros.say weet uh-ROHEt ça, c'est combien ?
And that, how much is it?ay sah, say kohn-BYANÇa fait douze euros cinquante.
That comes to twelve euros fifty.sah fay dooz uh-ROH sank-AHNTA little context goes a long way
In France, prices usually include tax (TTC), so the price you see is what you pay. In markets, it's common to ask the price before buying, and vendors may expect you to greet them with 'Bonjour' first. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est combien ?' as well, but the accent and numbers may sound different. Always use 'vous' with strangers unless invited to use 'tu'.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Combien est-ce que c'est ?' as a direct translation of 'How much is it?'
Try this instead: While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. Say 'C'est combien ?' or 'Combien ça coûte ?' instead. For example: 'C'est combien, ce livre ?' (How much is this book?)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'How much is it?' informally in French?
Show a sample answer
C'est combien ?
This is the most common informal phrase. You could also say 'Combien ça coûte ?' which is equally correct.
2What does 'Ça fait dix euros' mean?
Show a sample answer
That comes to ten euros.
'Ça fait' is used for totals. 'C'est dix euros' would also be correct and means 'It's ten euros.'
3How would you ask the price of a specific item you are pointing at?
Show a sample answer
C'est combien, ça ?
Adding 'ça' clarifies 'that one'. You could also say 'Combien coûte ceci ?' but it's more formal.
To ask 'How much is this?' in French, say 'C'est combien ?' and listen for 'C'est...' or 'Ça fait...' followed by a number and 'euros'. Use 'Quel est le prix ?' for a more formal tone.
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