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J’ai commencé à regarder

I started watching

Language note: Common phrase for starting a new series or film.

Context: Your friend tells you that they have started a new anime series.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

J’

[zhay]

I (contracted form of « je »)

« J’ » is « je » before a vowel sound. It’s used in many common phrases: « j’ai », « j’aime », etc.

J’ ai commencé à regarder cette série hier.

I started watching this series yesterday.

[ay]

have (1st person singular)

Auxiliary verb « avoir » in the passé composé. With a past participle it gives past meaning: « j’ai commencé ».

J’ ai déjà commencé la saison 2.

I’ve already started season 2.

commencé

[koh-mahn-SAY]

started; began

Past participle meaning “started”. Often used for starting an anime, a season, or an episode list.

J’ai commencé One Piece, mais c’est long !

I started One Piece, but it’s long!

[ah]

to (before an infinitive)

Preposition used with certain verbs: « commencer à », « apprendre à », etc. It introduces what you start doing.

J’ai commencé à regarder des animés en VO.

I started watching anime in original version.

regarder

[ruh-gar-DAY]

to watch; watching

Infinitive “to watch”. In context: « commencer à regarder » = “to start watching”.

J’ai commencé à regarder Naruto hier soir.

I started watching Naruto last night.

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