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How to Say ‘I have’ in French

J'ai

zh ay

[zh ay]

💬 Usage Tip: [J'] is just [je] shortened before a vowel, so it always sticks to the next word: [j'ai], [j'aime], [j'arrive]. Never use [je ai].

Phrase Breakdown

J'

[zh]

I

Refers to oneself, used to state an action performed by the speaker.

Example

J'ai décidé d'aller au cinéma.

I decided to go to the cinema.

ai

[ay]

have

Used to indicate possession or a completed action when used with past participles.

Example

J'ai mangé un croissant.

I ate a croissant.

Related guides

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.“Do You Speak English?” in French, and What to Say When You Don't Speak FrenchHow to say “do you speak English?” in French politely, what you'll hear back, and the phrases for “I don't speak French” and “can you repeat that?”, with audio.

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