grammar
« Ce qui » vs « ce que »: Connecting ideas with "what".
In English, we use the word "what" to ask questions ("What is that?"), but we also use it to connect ideas or state a fact ("I know what you mean" or "What I like is..."). In French, when "what" is not a question, you must use either ce qui or ce que. Choosing the right one depends on how it functions in the sentence.
« Ce qui » (When "what" is the subject)
You use ce qui when the "what" is actually performing the action of the next verb. Because it acts as the subject, it will always be followed directly by a conjugated verb.
« Ce qui est vrai, c'est que Paul est gentil. » (What is true is that Paul is nice.)
« Nous pouvons partir, ce qui est difficile. » (We can leave, which is difficult.)
« Ce qui est intéressant, c'est de visiter le musée. » (What is interesting is to visit the museum.)
« Ce que » (When "what" is the object)
You use ce que (or ce qu' before a vowel) when the "what" is the object of the action. This means someone else is performing the action, so it will always be followed by a new subject (like je, tu, il, elle or a person's name).
« Il sait ce qu'il veut faire. » (He knows what he wants to do.)
« Je dis ce que je pense. » (I say what I think.)
« Elle fait ce qu'elle dit. » (She does what she says.)
« Ce que j'aime, c'est aller au cinéma. » (What I like is going to the movies.)
This follows the exact same logic as the relative pronouns qui and que!
If the blank is followed immediately by a verb, use ce qui.
If the blank is followed immediately by a subject pronoun or noun, use ce que.