J'ai fini
The English phrase 'I am done' is translated into French as J'ai fini.
J'ai fini is used to state that you have completed a task or an activity. If you want to express that you are fed up or have had enough, the informal idiomatic phrase J'en ai marre is used instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase J'ai fini literally translates to 'I have finished' rather than 'I am finished'.
Which one should you use?
J'en ai fini is used when emphasizing that you are finished with a specific thing or a particular situation, often implying a sense of finality or relief.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you follow J'ai fini with another action, you must use the preposition de before the infinitive verb, such as in the pattern J'ai fini de [verb].
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Je suis fini to mean you have completed a task. This is a common mistake for English speakers translating 'I am finished' literally. In French, Je suis fini usually means 'I am ruined' or 'I am doomed'.
Did you know?
- In a French restaurant, if you are 'done' with your meal, you can signal the waiter by crossing your cutlery in an 'X' shape or placing them parallel on the plate.
- While J'ai fini means you have completed a task, the phrase C'est fini is used to announce the end of a romantic relationship.
- In very formal writing, a person might say Je suis arrivé au bout to express they are 'done' with a long project, literally meaning 'I have reached the end'.
Examples in context
- J'ai fini d'enseigner.I am done teaching.This sentence is useful for showing how to use J'ai fini followed by another action.Tatoeba #1099428 by sacredceltic, translation #1098556 by cntrational
- Après de longues heures de travail, j'ai terminé mon projet.After long hours of work, I am done with my project.
- Merci pour votre patience. J'ai fini de préparer le rapport.Thank you for your patience. I am done preparing the report.
- J'en ai marre de cette situation.I am done with this situation.
- J'en ai ras-le-bol de ces retards incessants des transports en commun.I am done with these constant public transportation delays.
- Après toutes ces années de travail, j'ai achevé mes études.After all these years of work, I am done with my studies.
- J'ai fini mes devoirs.I have finished my homework.
- J'ai fini de lire ce livre.I am done reading this book.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are studying together in a cafe.
- EmmaJ'ai fini mes exercices, et toi ?I am done with my exercises, and you?
- NathanPas encore, je travaille encore.Not yet, I am still working.
- EmmaTu veux prendre un café ?Do you want to grab a coffee?
- NathanOui, bonne idée.Yes, good idea.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
