How to Say ‘I started watching’ in French
J’ai commencé à regarder
💬 Usage Tip: Common phrase for starting a new series or film.
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.
ai
[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!
à
[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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