j'ai fini
j'ai fini is the French way to say "I have finished".
This phrase is a statement used to say that a person has completed a task or activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the contracted subject and auxiliary verb j'ai (I have) and the past participle fini (finished).
Which one should you use?
The verb terminer can be used as a synonym for finir to express completion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the passé composé tense, which is the standard way to express a completed action in the past in French.
Did you know?
- While j'ai fini is the standard phrase, someone who is utterly exhausted or 'done' with a situation might instead say je suis cuit, which literally means 'I am cooked'.
- In a French restaurant, saying j'ai fini to a waiter can come across as abrupt. Instead, diners often signal they have finished their meal by placing their cutlery in a specific position.
- In the world of art and craftsmanship, describing a work as fini does not just mean it is complete but that it is 'polished' or 'refined'.
Examples in context
- J'ai fini.I have finished.This sentence is useful for stating the basic fact of completion with j'ai fini.Tatoeba #2285475 by sacredceltic, translation #2245883 by CK
- J'ai fini mes devoirs.I have finished my homework.This sentence is useful for specifying that you have completed homework using j'ai fini.Tatoeba #589003 by Shishir, translation #255026 by CK
- J'ai fini mon travail.I have finished my work.This sentence is useful for specifying that you have completed work using j'ai fini.Tatoeba #2818995 by bleton, translation #1350129 by Chrikaru
- Bonjour Monsieur, j'ai terminé le rapport que vous m'avez demandé.Hello Sir, I have finished the report you requested.
- Excusez-moi Madame, j'ai fini de préparer les documents dont vous aviez besoin.Excuse me, Madam, I have finished preparing the documents you needed.
- Salut! J'ai fini de lire le livre que tu m'as prêté, il était génial!Hi! I have finished reading the book you lent me, it was awesome!
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are eating dinner together.
- LéaJ'ai fini mon assiette.I have finished my plate.
- GabrielTu veux un dessert, Léa ?Do you want a dessert, Léa?
- LéaNon merci, j'ai fini pour aujourd'hui.No thank you, I have finished for today.
- GabrielD'accord, on va débarrasser la table.Okay, we will clear the table.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
