French Avoir Expressions PDF Download and Quiz

Avoir (to have) is one of the most common French verbs, but it’s also a sneaky one-it shows up in dozens of everyday expressions where English would use “to be” or something else entirely. If you’ve ever stumbled over pourquoi j’ai faim when you meant “I’m hungry,” not “I have hungry,” this list is your cheat sheet. It packs about 60 of the most practical avoir expressions, covering feelings, age, needs, and everyday reactions, so you can stop translating word for word and start sounding more natural.

Each expression comes with a straightforward meaning and a real‑life example sentence that shows exactly how it hooks into conversation. No abstract grammar jargon-just ready‑to‑use phrases you can steal for your next chat. Whether you’re saying you’re cold (j’ai froid), you’re lucky (j’ai de la chance), or you feel like doing something (j’ai envie de…), these chunks glue your sentences together way more smoothly than building them from scratch.

When you’re ready to study offline, the free PDF download button sits right below the table. It’s a clean, no‑fluff reference you can print or save for later-no sign‑ups, just the vocabulary you need in one tidy package.

Use this list as a starting point, then keep going in the Yak Yacker French section for more words, phrases, and study-friendly reference pages.

Quick Quiz

Think you’ve got these avoir expressions down? The quiz below will gently point out which ones could use a second glance-no pressure, just a friendly check‑in.

Browse the Full List

ExpressionMeaning
1er1st
2e2nd
3e3rd
autobusbus
bélierram
bocaljar
brebisewe
cavalerun
chêneoak
cirewax
cirerwax
coudresew
coupurecut
craquefib
dee
DEBBED
elfeelf
espionnerspy
FARLBB
fifie
foinhay
fourrurefur
frirefry
frotterrub
graissefat