A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Is this authentic" in French
Ask if an item is genuine or original when shopping for antiques, art, or artisanal goods.
Est-ce authentique ?
es-tuhk-ahn-TEEKneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're looking at something that might be a replica or a mass-produced item, like a souvenir or a piece of art. It's perfect for markets, antique shops, or galleries where authenticity is a concern.
Alternatives
- C'est du vrai ?More casual, like asking 'Is this the real deal?'
- C'est original ?Good for art or design items, asking if it's the first of its kind.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't' in 'est'
The 't' in 'est' is silent unless followed by a vowel, but here it links to 'ce' to make a 't' sound.
Silent final consonants
Don't pronounce the final 'e' in 'authentique'; it's silent.
A small cultural note
In France, there's a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and genuine articles, so asking about authenticity is common and expected, especially for higher-value items.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to ask if something is a fake?
You can directly ask 'Est-ce une contrefaçon ?' which means 'Is this a counterfeit?' This is a more direct way to inquire about fakes.
What if I want to ask about a specific brand?
You can say 'Est-ce la marque X ?' (Is this brand X?) or 'Est-ce un vrai X ?' (Is this a real X?). This helps narrow down the authenticity question to a specific label.
Is it rude to ask if something is authentic?
Not at all, especially when buying art, antiques, or artisanal products. It shows you're a discerning customer interested in quality.
