enfin
/ɑ̃.fɛ̃/
The English phrase "at last" is translated into French as enfin.
enfin is used to mean "at last" or "eventually," often to express a sense of relief or impatience after a long wait. It can also function as a filler word, similar to how English speakers use "well" or "anyway" to transition between different thoughts.
Meaning: after a long time, eventually (prep_phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
While English speakers often place "at last" at the very beginning of a sentence, it sounds more natural in French to place enfin after the conjugated verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /ɑ̃.fɛ̃/.
When do people say it?
In informal settings, you may encounter the expression Enfin, ça y est ! to mean "Finally, that's it!" Another relaxed version used to convey relief or the completion of a task is Bon, ça y est.
Did you know?
- A speaker might repeat enfin multiple times in a row, such as enfin, enfin !, to signal extreme impatience or an urgent demand for someone to hurry up.
- In some contexts, enfin functions as a 'hedge' word to soften a criticism, making a statement sound less aggressive by suggesting the speaker is still searching for the right word.
- In very formal or literary French, the word enfin is sometimes replaced by the phrase en définitive to signal a final conclusion after considering all possibilities.
Examples in context
- Il est enfin venu.At last, he came.This sentence shows how to use enfin to describe someone arriving at last.Tatoeba #4602667 by sacredceltic, translation #39875 by CM
- Enfin mon tour est venu.At last, my turn came.This sentence shows how to express that one's turn has finally come using enfin.Tatoeba #13705 by zmoo, translation #30230 by CM
- On a enfin su la vérité.At last, the truth became known to us.This sentence demonstrates the use of enfin when the truth is eventually discovered.Tatoeba #13706 by sacredceltic, translation #30229 by CK
- J'ai enfin terminé mon rapport !I have finally finished my report!
- Nous avons finalement obtenu leur accord.We have finally obtained their approval.
- J'ai enfin réussi à le voir !I finally managed to see him!
- Enfin, ça y est ! J'ai terminé mes devoirs.Finally, that's it! I finished my homework.
- Bon, ça y est, on peut enfin partir en vacances !Well, that's it, we can finally go on vacation!
- Enfin pour de bon, on peut profiter du soleil !At last, for good, we can enjoy the sun!
- Fichtre, enfin, j'ai réussi !Wow, at last, I did it!
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are waiting for a late bus.
- ManonLe bus arrive enfin !The bus is finally arriving!
- LucasC'est vrai, il est très en retard.It's true, it is very late.
- ManonJe suis tellement contente.I am so happy.
- LucasMoi aussi, on peut rentrer.Me too, we can go home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at last” translations and entries enfin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
