j'ai un stylo
In French, "I have a pen" is said as j'ai un stylo.
This phrase is used to state that you possess a writing instrument. The word stylo is the general term for a pen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), ai (have), un (a) and stylo (pen).
Which one should you use?
While stylo is the general word for any pen, you can be more specific. Use stylo-bille if you want to refer specifically to a ballpoint pen. In an informal context, you might use bic to refer specifically to a Bic pen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form j'ai is a contraction of je (I) and ai (have) because ai begins with a vowel. Because stylo is a masculine noun, the masculine article un is used in the phrase un stylo.
Did you know?
- The word stylo shares a root with the English word 'style', coming from the ancient Greek 'stylos', which referred to a pointed stake used for writing in wax.
- If you were to say you have a 'pen' using a more formal or artistic term, you might encounter plume, which refers to a fountain pen.
- The word stylo is actually a shortened version of the longer word stylographe.
Examples in context
- J'ai un stylo-bille.I have a pen.This sentence is useful for specifying that you have a ballpoint pen using the form j'ai un stylo.Tatoeba #13899065 by Adelpa, translation #255571 by CK
- Est-ce que tu as un stylo?Do you have a pen?
- Oui, j'ai un bic.Yes, I have a Bic pen.
- J'ai un stylo dans mon sac.I have a pen in my bag.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are in a classroom and need to take notes.
- ChloéGabriel, est-ce que tu as un stylo ?Gabriel, do you have a pen?
- GabrielOui, j'ai un stylo pour toi.Yes, I have a pen for you.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, tu es très gentil.Thank you very much, you are very kind.
- GabrielDe rien, Chloé !You're welcome, Chloé!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, stylo, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
