How do you say "I don't have" in French?

"I don't have" in French is "Je n'ai pas". This phrase is commonly used in France.

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How to Say ‘I don't have’ in French

Q: What does "Je n'ai pas" mean in English?

"Je n'ai pas" means "I don't have" in English. Usage tip: Before a vowel, [ne] becomes [n'], so [je ne ai pas] turns into [je n'ai pas]. In everyday spoken French, many people drop the [ne] and say [j'ai pas].

Je n'ai pas

zhuh n ay pah

[zhuh n ay pah]

💬 Usage Tip: Before a vowel, [ne] becomes [n'], so [je ne ai pas] turns into [je n'ai pas]. In everyday spoken French, many people drop the [ne] and say [j'ai pas].

Phrase Breakdown

[zhuh]

I do not have

Used to express not having something.

Example

Je n'ai pas de monnaie.

I do not have change.

N'ai pas

n ay pah

Words in this phrase

[n]

I do not have

Used to express not having something.

Example

Je n'ai pas de carte.

I do not have a card.

[ay]

I do not have

Used to express not having something.

Example

Je n'ai pas de monnaie.

I do not have money.

pas

[pah]

I do not have

Used to express not having something.

Example

Je n'ai pas d'argent.

I do not have money.

Guides for French learners

The Best App to Learn French: An Honest ComparisonDuolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Busuu, italki and PrettyFluent compared for learning French: what each is best at, how you pay, and which fits your goal.French Conversation for Beginners: 5 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseFive short French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.

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