How to Say ‘I have’ in French
J'ai
zh ay
[zh ay]
💬 Usage Tip: [J'] only appears joined to the next word: here [j'ai]. Before a vowel sound, [je] shortens to [j'], so it can't stand alone.
Phrase Breakdown
J'
[zh]
I have
Contracted form of je + ai, used to say I have.
J'ai appelé le propriétaire ce matin.
I called the landlord this morning.
ai
[ay]
have
First-person singular form of avoir, used with j' in J'ai.
J'ai un problème d'eau chaude.
I have a hot water problem.
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