Question 1

Why does this sentence use quoi que ce soit instead of n'importe quoi for 'anything'?

Accepted Answer

While both can translate to 'anything', quoi que ce soit is preferred in negative, doubtful, or highly restrictive contexts (like something being interdit) to mean 'anything at all'. N'importe quoi is typically used in affirmative sentences to mean 'just anything' or 'nonsense'. Here, touching n'importe quoi would merely imply touching random things carelessly, whereas this rule strictly forbids touching anything whatsoever.

Question 2

Literally, what does the phrase quoi que ce soit mean?

Accepted Answer

It is an absolute indefinite phrase that literally translates to 'whatever it may be' (quoi = what, que = that, ce soit = it be, using the subjunctive mood). It functions as a set phrase to emphasize the absolute nature of 'anything whatsoever'.

Question 3

Why do we use Il est interdit rather than C'est interdit here?

Accepted Answer

For general rules, prohibitions, or formal signs, French uses the impersonal pronoun il in the structure il est + [adjective] + de + [infinitive]. While you will certainly hear c'est interdit de in casual spoken French, il est interdit de is the standard, grammatically formal way to state a rule.

Question 4

Why is there a de before toucher?

Accepted Answer

In the impersonal construction il est + [adjective], the adjective must be followed by the preposition de before introducing an infinitive verb. You cannot link the adjective directly to the verb toucher without it.

Il est interdit de toucher quoi que ce soit ici !

Breakdown of Il est interdit de toucher quoi que ce soit ici !

Questions & Answers about Il est interdit de toucher quoi que ce soit ici !

Learn Il est interdit de toucher quoi que ce soit ici and more in French