j'ai fini
The English phrase "I am finished" is translated into French as j'ai fini.
The phrase is used to state that someone has completed a task or an activity.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, j'ai fini means "I have finished".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express completion, this phrase uses the auxiliary verb avoir (to have) instead of être (to be).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say je suis fini to mean they have completed a task. In French, however, je suis fini implies that one is ruined, dead or a failure.
When do people say it?
In informal situations, you can also use the expression C'est bon to convey that a task is finished, which can mean "It's good" or "It's done".
Did you know?
- In a restaurant, if a waiter asks if you are finished, they will likely use the verb terminer instead of finir.
- The word fini comes from the Latin 'finis', meaning 'end' or 'boundary', which is the same root found in the English word 'final'.
- If you are finished with a meal and want the check, you do not say j'ai fini, but rather l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
Examples in context
- J'ai terminé mon travail pour aujourd'huiI have finished my work for today
- J'ai achevé la rédaction de mon rapportI have completed writing my report
- J'ai fini de mangerI am finished eating
- J'ai fini mon travailI am finished with my work
- C'est bon, j'ai fini de nettoyer la cuisineIt's good, I am done cleaning the kitchen
- J'ai fini mes devoirs.I have finished my homework.
- Ouf, j'ai fini de lire ce livre !Phew, I've finished reading this book!
- J'ai fini de préparer le dîner.I've finished preparing dinner.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are studying together in a library.
- GabrielJ'ai fini ce chapitre, et toi ?I've finished this chapter, and you?
- ManonJe n'ai pas encore fini, Gabriel.I haven't finished yet, Gabriel.
- GabrielTu veux faire une pause ?Do you want to take a break?
- ManonOui, j'ai fini de réviser pour aujourd'hui.Yes, I've finished studying for today.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
