How do you say "I have started" in French?

"I have started" in French is "J’ai commencé". This phrase is commonly used in France.

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How to Say ‘I have started’ in French

Q: What does "J’ai commencé" mean in English?

"J’ai commencé" means "I have started" in English. Usage tip: [J'] is the shortened form of [je] before a vowel sound, so it must stay attached to the next word, as in [j'ai]. You'll see the same thing in [j'aime] and [j'habite].

J’ai commencé

zhay ay koh-mahn-SAY

[zhay ay koh-mahn-SAY]

💬 Usage Tip: [J'] is the shortened form of [je] before a vowel sound, so it must stay attached to the next word, as in [j'ai]. You'll see the same thing in [j'aime] and [j'habite].

Phrase Breakdown

J’

[zhay]

I (contracted form of « je »)

« Je » becomes « J’ » before a vowel or silent h, like « ai ». It keeps the same meaning: “I”.

Example

J’ ai commencé un nouvel anime hier.

I started a new anime yesterday.

[ay]

have (1st person singular)

« ai » is « avoir » conjugated for « je ». It’s the auxiliary used in the passé composé: « j’ai commencé » = “I started / I have started”.

Example

J’ ai regardé la bande-annonce.

I watched the trailer.

commencé

[koh-mahn-SAY]

started; began

Past participle of « commencer » (to start). Used with « avoir »: « j’ai commencé » = “I started”. Often followed by « à » + infinitive: « commencé à regarder ».

Example

J’ai commencé cet anime la semaine dernière.

I started this anime last week.

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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