Understanding French Verbs ÊTRE and AVOIR

These flashcards help clarify the functions of the verbs ÊTRE and AVOIR in French, including their conjugations and proper contexts for use.

Être (to be) and Avoir (to have)

What are the two most commonly used verbs in French?

When describing adjectives, jobs, or grades.

When do you use the verb ÊTRE?

Je suis étudiant.

How do you say 'I am a student' in French?

Using AVOIR, for example, 'J'ai 17 ans' (I have 17 years).

In French, how do you express age?

'J'ai' as in 'J'ai les cheveux noirs' (I have black hair).

What is the French word for 'I have' used with hair?

Using AVOIR, for example, 'J'ai un frère' (I have a brother).

How do you refer to possession in French?

He has fear (He is afraid).

What does the French phrase 'Il a peur' mean?

In French, you say 'J'ai froid' (I have cold).

What is the difference between saying 'I am cold' in English and in French?

Vous êtes.

Provide the French term for 'you (formal) are'.

Il a.

What is 'He has' in French?

Using ÊTRE, for example, 'Elle est en deuxième' (She is in second grade).

How do you describe grades in French?

Ils sont péniblement ennuyeux.

What is the French phrase for 'They are annoying'?

J'ai faim.

How do you say 'I am hungry' in French?

J'ai soif (I have thirst).

What phrase do French speakers use for having thirst?

With possessions, age, and descriptions of hair and eyes.

When is the verb AVOIR used according to the lecture?

Ils ont les yeux gris.

Translate the phrase 'They have gray eyes' into French.

ÊTRE.

Which verb is used with adjectives to describe people?

Je suis.

What is the conjugation of 'I am' in French?

Tu as.

What is the French equivalent of 'You have'?

Elle est en seconde.

How do you express 'She is in tenth grade' in French?

I have thirst (I am thirsty).

What does 'J'ai soif' translate to in English?

Nous avons un cours de biologie.

How would you say 'We have biology class' in French?

Il est timide.

What do you say when you want to convey that someone is shy?

Use AVOIR, e.g., 'J'ai les yeux marron' (I have brown eyes).

What is the structure for expressing features such as eyes in French?

Always use AVOIR, e.g., 'J'ai 14 ans'.

How do you specify age using the French verb system?

J'ai 18 ans.

What is 'I have 18 years' in French?

Using AVOIR instead of ÊTRE.

What is a common error when translating 'I am' in French?

Use AVOIR, e.g., 'J'ai chaud' (I have hot).

What structure do you use for expressions like 'to be hot' in French?

By saying 'Est-ce que tu as froid?' (Do you have cold?).

How do you rationalize the phrase 'Are you cold?' in French?

AVOIR, e.g., 'J'ai peur' (I have fear).

Which verb do you use for describing emotions like fear?