j'ai 12 ans
The English phrase "my age is 12" is translated into French as j'ai 12 ans.
This phrase is used to tell someone how many years old you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have 12 years". The component j'ai means "I have" and is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb avoir (to have), while douze means "twelve" and ans means "years".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, you use the verb avoir (to have) instead of être (to be) to express age. Additionally, the word ans (years) is grammatically required at the end of the sentence. You cannot simply say j'ai 12.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb être (to be) to state their age, which results in the incorrect phrase je suis 12 ans.
Did you know?
- In French, the same verb avoir used for age is also used to express physical sensations like hunger j'ai faim and thirst j'ai soif.
- While ans is used to state your age, French speakers often switch to the word années when talking about the total duration of a period of time.
- If you are filling out a formal medical form or writing a legal document, you will likely see the phrase âgé de 12 ans instead of j'ai 12 ans.
Examples in context
- Quel âge as-tu ? J'ai 12 ans.How old are you? I am 12 years old.
- J'ai 12 ans.I am 12 years old.
- Oui, j'ai 12 ans maintenant.Yes, I am 12 years old now.
Example conversation
Two students are meeting for the first time at school.
- EmmaSalut ! Comment tu t'appelles ?Hi! What is your name?
- GabrielJe m'appelle Gabriel. Et toi ?My name is Gabriel. And you?
- EmmaMoi, c'est Emma et j'ai 12 ans.I'm Emma and I am 12 years old.
- GabrielMoi aussi, on est dans la même classe !Me too, we are in the same class!
