Monday, April 20, 2009

French phrase of the day: J'ai hâte

In one of my early attempts to bumble my way through a friendly conversation, I was told that the French just don’t say, “I’m excited.” I always say “I’m excited.” I’m excited about my apartment, my neighborhood, my job, this city. I’m excited that Mom and Bob are here right now, I’m always excited to eat, I’m excited to start traveling. But to the French, saying “I’m excited” has very sexual connotations. So I’ve been using the very benign “I’m happy” to express my excitement.

But thanks to my new copine at the office, adorable Isa, I learned my new “I’m excited” replacement: J'ai hâte

Def: I’m pressed

C’est parfait.

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