J’ai commencé
I have started
Language note: The passé composé tense is used here.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
J’
[zhay]
I (contracted form of « je »)
« Je » becomes « J’ » before a vowel or silent h, like « ai ». It keeps the same meaning: “I”.
J’ ai commencé un nouvel anime hier.
I started a new anime yesterday.
ai
[ay]
have (1st person singular)
« ai » is « avoir » conjugated for « je ». It’s the auxiliary used in the passé composé: « j’ai commencé » = “I started / I have started”.
J’ ai regardé la bande-annonce.
I watched the trailer.
commencé
[koh-mahn-SAY]
started; began
Past participle of « commencer » (to start). Used with « avoir »: « j’ai commencé » = “I started”. Often followed by « à » + infinitive: « commencé à regarder ».
J’ai commencé cet anime la semaine dernière.
I started this anime last week.
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