j'arrive
The English phrase "here I come" is translated into French as j'arrive.
While j'arrive literally means "I arrive", it is the standard idiomatic way to say "I'm coming" or "I'm on my way" when you are responding to a call or announcing that you are approaching a location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of je, meaning "I" and arrive, meaning "arrive" or "am arriving".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use je viens to mean "I'm coming" (as in, I am on my way to you). In French, j'arrive is the correct idiomatic choice for this situation.
Did you know?
- The verb arriver has a double meaning and can be used to say 'I managed to' or 'I succeeded in' doing something, such as je n'y arrive pas for 'I can't do it'.
- While j'arrive means 'here i come', the phrase ça arrive means 'it happens' or 'that's life'.
- In Quebec, you may hear je m'en viens used to announce one's approach, a construction that would be considered grammatically incorrect in France.
Examples in context
- J'arrive.Here I come.This example shows the basic use of j'arrive.Tatoeba #10718 by sysko, translation #1112325 by Scott
- Californie, j'arrive !California, here I come!This example shows how to use j'arrive to announce your arrival at a destination.Tatoeba #12952308 by menaud, translation #12952307 by menaud
- Ne partez pas, j'arrive !Don't leave, I'm coming!
Example conversation
Nathan is running to join Léa at a cafe.
- NathanLéa, attends-moi !Léa, wait for me!
- LéaTu es en retard, Nathan.You are late, Nathan.
- NathanDésolé, j'arrive tout de suite.Sorry, I'm coming right now.
- LéaD'accord, je t'attends.Okay, I'm waiting for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
