Avoir: The verb 'to have' in French
Just like the verb to have in English the verb avoir is one of the most common verbs. It is mostly used in the same circumstances as the verb to have except for some expressions. The verb to have is sometimes used to replace the verb to be in English.
When and how to use the verb 'avoir' in French
The verb ‘to have’ is sometimes used to replace the verb ‘to be’ in English.
1. Age: We use the verb avoir when discussing age.
J’ai 11 ans. I am 11 years old.
2. State of being: The verb avoir is also used when describing your state of being, meaning how you are feeling at the time.
J’ai faim. I am hungry.
J’ai peur. I am scared.
J’ai chaud. I am hot.
J’ai soif. I am thirsty.
3. Other verbs: Avoir is also used and combined with over verbs
J’ai besoin de… I need…
J’ai envie de… I want…/ I fancy…
Also, most of the verbs at the passé composé (simple past) are made up of the auxiliary verb to have and the past participle.
Simple past
J’ai joué I played
Tu as mangé You ate
Conjugation of the verb 'avoir' in French
The verb avoir is an irregular verb which means that both its radical (first part of the verb) and endings change. This is why it is so important to study this verb in order to master it.
Pronouns | Imparfait | Passé composé |
Je (I) | avais | ai eu |
Tu (you) | avais | as eu |
Il/elle/on (He/she/ it/ we) | avait | a eu |
Nous (we) | avions | avons eu |
Vous (you) | aviez | avez eu |
Ils/elles (they) | avaient | ont eu |
Pronouns | Présent | Futur proche | Futur simple |
Je (I) | ai | vais avoir | aurai |
Tu (you) | as | vas avoir | auras |
Il/elle/on (He/she/ it/ we) | a | va avoir | aura |
Nous (we) | avons | allons avoir | aurons |
Vous (you) | avez | allez avoir | aurez |
Ils/elles (they) | ont | vont avoir | auront |
Conjugation of the verb 'avoir' in French
Now that you have learned more about the verb avoir, test your knowledge with our free printable practice worksheets!
