How to Say ‘I have’ in French
Je l'ai
zhuh l ay
[zhuh l ay]
💬 Usage Tip: Refers to a specific item or experience previously mentioned.
Phrase Breakdown
Je
[zhuh]
I
Subject pronoun “I”. In everyday speech it may sound like “j’” before a vowel, but here it’s written « Je ».
Je l' ai regardé en une nuit.
I watched it in one night.
l'
[l]
it; him (direct object pronoun, elided)
Direct object pronoun « le » shortened to « l’ » before a vowel. It replaces a masculine noun or “it” (the anime, the episode, etc.).
Je l' ai commencé hier soir.
I started it last night.
ai
[ay]
have (1st person singular)
Auxiliary « avoir » for “I have” in the passé composé. Used with a past participle: « j’ai commencé / j’ai regardé ».
Je l' ai déjà fini.
I’ve already finished it.
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