Avoir means to have
Avoir (to have) says what someone has, how old they are and how they feel. It is completely irregular, so learn the six forms by heart. French uses it where English says "to be": for age, hunger, thirst, cold and fear.
The forms of avoir
avoir (to have)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| je | j'ai |
| tu | as |
| il / elle / on | a |
| nous | avons |
| vous | avez |
| ils / elles | ont |
Présent of avoir
Before ai, je becomes j': j'ai, not je ai. Listen for ils ont [ilzɔ̃], with a z sound, versus ils sont [ilsɔ̃], without: one means they have, the other they are.
What is avoir used for?
Possession
J'ai une voiture.
I have a car.
Elle a trois frères.
She has three brothers.
Ils ont une maison.
They have a house.
Age
French says age with avoir, literally I have twenty years. The word ans (years) must be there.
Tu as quel âge?
How old are you?
J'ai dix-huit ans.
I am eighteen years old.
Elle a trente ans.
She is thirty years old.
Hunger, thirst, cold, pain
J'ai faim.
I am hungry.
Tu as froid?
Are you cold?
J'ai mal à la tête.
I have a headache.
Fear, wishes, needs, being right
Elle a peur des chiens.
She is afraid of dogs.
Nous avons besoin d'aide.
We need help.
Vous avez raison.
You are right.
