What is this thing?

When the complexities of another language confound you, sometimes you just have to laugh. Case in point the long-winded enquiry, “Qu'est-ce que c'est que cette chose-là?” Literally translated as “What is this that this is that this thing there?”. Or, in actual usage, “What is that/this thing?”

It seems even the French can see the humour in this unwieldy sentence. So, if you’re un apprenant*? Best not to overthink it and, instead, commit the phrase to memory. 

Or in conversation, you could always go for le plus concis*, “C’est quoi, ça?” We’ll leave it in your capable hands (and limber lips). 

*a learner | *the more concise