Proper usage of être usage

Elizabeth B.A0Kwiziq community member

Proper usage of être usage

Bonjour: What is the correct statement? I am at a restaurant and finished my meal. (Incorrect): “Je suis fini.” (Correct): ? Merci, Elizabeth
Asked 2 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Elizabeth,

Jim is correct! You cannot say "je suis fini" in this context as it means "I am done for / I am ruined"

J'ai fini I am finished

Je suis fini I am done for

Follow the link below for more expressions using "avoir" or "être": Literality

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Elizabeth,

When expressing a personal status, it is prudent to be careful about using être.

Why?

In French, you could unwittingly give a wrong impression.

In English, it is perfectly acceptable and well understood when expressing comments like "I am thirsty", "I am hot or cold" or "I am finished" after a meal.

But it is important to use only avoir in these situations, in French.

être expresses a "state of being". Imagine unwittingly stating that "you are hot" or "you are cold"

or "you are finished"?      (Think about what this could mean!)

So back to your question    --  No! "Je suis fini" is not correct, you need to use "J'ai fini" for the reasons explained above.

Hope this helps.

Bonne continuation

Jim

Abdullah a.A0Kwiziq community member

je suis a la restraunt et finis m'repa

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Abdullah,

Well done for writing in French! 

Remember: Je suis au restaurant et je finis mon repas

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Proper usage of être usage

Bonjour: What is the correct statement? I am at a restaurant and finished my meal. (Incorrect): “Je suis fini.” (Correct): ? Merci, Elizabeth

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...