j'ai dix ans
In French, "I am ten" is expressed as j'ai dix ans.
This phrase is used to say how old a person is.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have ten years".
Which one should you use?
J'ai dix balais is a colloquial version, and J'ai dix piges is a slang version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase requires the word ans (years) at the end. You cannot simply say j'ai dix to express your age.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb être (to be) instead of avoir (to have) when stating their age.
Did you know?
- The slang term piges used in j'ai dix piges is derived from the word for a 'stake' or 'peg', suggesting a way of marking time on a tally.
- Because French views age as something one 'has', the word avoir is also used for other physical sensations, such as j'ai faim for 'I am hungry'.
- The word dix is a linguistic relative of the English word 'ten', as both can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *déḱm̥.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Sophie et j'ai dix ans. Je suis ravie de vous rencontrer!Hello, my name is Sophie, and I am ten years old. It's a pleasure to meet you!
- Salut, moi c'est Thomas, j'ai dix piges et j'adore jouer au football!Hi, I'm Thomas. I'm ten years old, and I love playing soccer!
- Quel âge as-tu ? J'ai dix ans.How old are you? I am ten.
- J'ai dix ans.I am ten years old.
- Non, je sais que j'ai dix ans.No, I know that I am ten.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about their ages at school.
- HugoQuel âge as-tu, Chloé ?How old are you, Chloé?
- ChloéJ'ai dix ans. Et toi ?I am ten. And you?
- HugoMoi aussi, j'ai dix ans !Me too, I am ten!
- ChloéC'est super, on a le même âge.That's great, we are the same age.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dix, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
