avoir is the French verb meaning "to have." It is indispensable not only for expressing possession but also as a key auxiliary verb in forming most compound tenses. Because of its foundational role, avoir is one of the most important and frequently used verbs in French.
- avoir = to have
- Expresses possession: J’ai un livre. (I have a book.)
- Used as an auxiliary for compound tenses: Il a mangé. (He has eaten.)
- One of the two most important auxiliary verbs (avoir and être)
'avoir' means 'to have.'
'avoir' is used for possession and as an auxiliary in compound tenses.
Conjugation of Avoir
Here is the present tense conjugation of avoir, which is essential for mastering both everyday usage and more complex structures:
| Subject Pronoun | Avoir (Present) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Je | ai | I have |
| Tu | as | You have (sing.) |
| Il/Elle/On | a | He/She/One has |
| Nous | avons | We have |
| Vous | avez | You have (pl.) |
| Ils/Elles | ont | They have |
- avoir is highly irregular
- Stem changes with each person in some tenses
The correct 'je' form is 'ai.'
Avoir is conjugated as ai, as, a, avons, avez, ont.
Usage Highlights
- Possession: J’ai une voiture. (I have a car.)
- Age: Il a 20 ans. (He is 20 years old.)
- Feelings/States (with expressions): Nous avons faim. (We are hungry.)
- Auxiliary for past: Elle a parlé. (She spoke/has spoken.)
Correct is 'J’ai un chien.'
'avoir' is used for possession, age, and some states.
Conclusion
aVoir is the cornerstone French verb for expressing possession and more, making it indispensable for learners at every level.
- avoir = to have
- Used for possession, age, states, and as a key auxiliary verb
- Irregular, but essential for many common expressions and grammatical structures