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Common Fixed Expressions with "Y" and "EN" in French

Difficulty:B1

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5/11/2024

Hello everyone! Today, we will focus exclusively on fixed expressions incorporating the pronouns "Y" and "EN". For those discovering these pronouns, I invite you to check out our previous video on this topic.

Section 1: Fixed Expressions with "en"

Expressions with the pronoun “en” are important for expressing feelings, quantities, or opinions. Here are some common expressions:

J'en ai marre

This expression conveys weariness, a general fed-up feeling. It is often used to express an exasperated state due to a repetitive or boring situation.

J'en ai assez.
J'en peux plus.

Similar to “J'en ai marre,” these phrases indicate that one has reached their limit of tolerance.

Je m'en moque.
Je m'en fiche.
Je m'en fous.

These variants express different degrees of indifference, ranging from simple disinterest to more pronounced and sometimes harshly expressed disinterest.

It is important to know the intensity of these expressions and the appropriate context to avoid misunderstandings.

Jean: Quel film veux-tu regarder ce soir?
Marie: Je m'en fous!

As you can see, Marie is not interested in the movie and expresses it aggressively. Jean might also wonder if she is angry. To be sure not to be rude, one can also say: “ça m'est égal.”

Section 2: Fixed Expressions with "y"

Expressions with the pronoun “y” are essential for talking about location, experiences, or specific situations. Here are some common examples:

Je n'y arrive pas.

This expression is often used to express difficulty in accomplishing a task or understanding something. It implies an obstacle the speaker cannot overcome.

J'y vais.
Je m'y mets.

These phrases indicate the beginning of an action or engagement in an activity. “J'y vais” can mean going somewhere, while “Je m'y mets” often implies starting work or a task.

Ça y est.

This expression marks the conclusion or completion of an action. It can be used to signal that something is ready or finished.

Alice: Est-ce que tu as fini de préparer ta présentation pour demain?
Bob: Ça y est, je viens de terminer!

In this dialogue, Bob uses “Ça y est” to indicate that he has completed his task. It's a concise and clear way to communicate completion.

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Conclusion

Mastering expressions with the pronouns “y” and “en” is essential for anyone learning French. These expressions, commonly used in daily conversations, allow for more natural and fluent expression.

For more in-depth and structured learning, consider following our video courses available on Udemy. They provide comprehensive educational tools for rapid and solid progress.

Finally, you can continue to enrich your vocabulary by exploring our blog and videos.

Thank you for following us, and bonne continuation in your French learning journey!