quand ou quant?

Question

I have a question which comes from this exercise but is not directly related to the subject matter perhaps but is a listening issue that I have come across before and there must be a rule that I don't know about or that I do and just don't recognise the context:

In reflexive verb video, which is in the last set of "your practice" offered after you complete the last written section; at 7'40" in the video, the lady says: "Et puis, qu'est qu' on fait quant on utilise l'imperatif..." but instead of saying "quand" she pronounces the "t" as if it were "quante" ...So I wonder if you could tell me what the rule is for pronouncing "quand" with a "t" at the end, since quant, is of course a different word...

I hope that makes sense. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Michael

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Michael,
James is absolutely right. “Once upon a time” (aka in “Old French”), ‘quand’ used to be written with a ‘t’ and not not a ‘d’. Hence the liaison with a word starting with a vowel.

Quand(t) il part en vacances… = when he goes on holidays…
Quand(t) on vient te voir… = when we come to see you…

Attention ! Quand + name starting with a vowel
Quand Antoine / Alice / Eveline … → no liaison
 
‘Quant’ does exist (as mentioned by Chris). It is always followed by the preposition ‘à’. ‘Quand à’ = ‘as for’. And the liaison does happen:

Quant à toi … = as for you…
Quant aux enfants… = as for the children…
Quant à repeindre la maison… = as for repainting the house…

I hoep this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Pronounce the "t" when following word begins with a vowel e.g. 'Quand(t) il va faire les courses' Hope that helps !

Answer

Just for kicks, there's also the word quant which means regarding, as for, about....