j'ai eu
In French, j'ai eu is the way to say "I got".
The phrase is used to indicate that someone received or obtained something.
Which one should you use?
While j'ai eu is the standard, you might use j'ai reçu to formally indicate you received something or j'ai obtenu in formal contexts specifically when discussing an achievement.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the passé composé form j'ai eu is used to express the completed action of receiving or obtaining something in the past.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the verb obtenir in a way that sounds overly formal. In most everyday contexts, j'ai eu is a much more natural way to say "I got".
Did you know?
- While j'ai eu means 'I got', French speakers use the same verb avoir to describe feelings that English expresses with 'to be'. For example, you would say j'ai eu peur to mean 'I was afraid'.
- If you 'got' an idea in French, you would not typically use j'ai eu. Instead, you use the verb for 'coming' to say the idea 'came' to you.
- The spelling of eu is a historical survivor. While many French words changed their spelling to include a circumflex to show a long vowel, such as dû, the word eu kept its Middle French spelling because eu with a circumflex was considered too awkward.
Examples in context
- J'ai eu un A.I got an A.This sentence shows how to use j'ai eu to report receiving a grade.Tatoeba #6167847 by felix63, translation #5828882 by CK
- J'ai eu du bol.I got lucky.This sentence shows how to use j'ai eu to express having luck.Tatoeba #2200702 by sacredceltic, translation #2199425 by Hybrid
- J'ai eu le poste.I got the job.This sentence shows how to use j'ai eu to say you got a job.Tatoeba #10465730 by lbdx, translation #5840469 by CK
- J'ai reçu la promotionI got the promotion
- J'ai obtenu mon diplômeI got my degree
- J'ai eu le posteI got the job
- J'ai mis la main sur des billets de concertI got my hands on concert tickets!
- J'ai attrapé le dernier exemplaireI got the last copy
- J'ai reçu une récompenseI got a reward
- J'ai obtenu mon permis de conduireI got my driver's license
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is showing Lucas a gift she received.
- LucasQu'est-ce que tu as reçu ?What did you receive?
- EmmaJ'ai eu ce beau vase pour mon anniversaire.I got this beautiful vase for my birthday.
- LucasIl est magnifique, Emma.It is magnificent, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, je suis très contente.Thank you, I am very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eu, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
