Introduction
When you need to tell someone that a task is finished, you’ll often hear the English word “done.” In French, the equivalent isn’t a single, one‑size‑fits‑all term; the language offers several words and expressions that vary according to context, formality, and the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these differences is essential for learners who want to sound natural, avoid misunderstandings, and move confidently from the classroom to real‑world conversations. This article explores the most common ways to say “done” in French, explains when each option is appropriate, and provides practical examples that you can start using today Simple as that..
1. Direct Translations: “Fait” and “Terminé”
1.1 Fait – The Everyday Choice
The adjective fait (pronounced /fɛ/), derived from the verb faire (to do/make), is the simplest and most frequently used translation for “done.” It works in both spoken and written French and fits a wide range of informal situations.
| English sentence | French translation |
|---|---|
| The work is done. Day to day, | |
| I’m done with this project. | Le travail est fait. On the flip side, |
| Are you done yet? | Tu as fait ? |
Fait can also function as a past participle after avoir to form the perfect tense: j’ai fait (I have done). In many contexts, the verb faire itself replaces “to be done”: C’est fait (It’s done).
1.2 Terminé – Emphasizing Completion
Every time you want to stress that something has reached its end point, especially a process or a period of time, terminé (pronounced /tɛʁ.ne/) is the preferred term. Worth adding: mi. It carries a slightly more formal tone than fait and is common in written reports, academic work, and professional settings.
| English sentence | French translation |
|---|---|
| The meeting is finished. | |
| The exam is over. | |
| The construction work is completed. | La réunion est terminée. |
Notice the agreement in gender and number: terminée (feminine singular), terminés (masculine plural). This agreement is obligatory, just like with any French adjective Simple, but easy to overlook..
2. Context‑Specific Expressions
While fait and terminé cover most scenarios, French speakers often choose alternative phrases that better match the nuance of the situation And that's really what it comes down to. But it adds up..
2.1 Accompli – “Accomplished”
Accompli (pronounced /a.kɔ̃.pli/) conveys a sense of achievement, often used for personal goals or artistic works.
- Après des années de travail, son roman est enfin accompli.
(After years of work, his novel is finally accomplished.)
2.2 Complété – “Completed” (Technical)
In technical, scientific, or administrative contexts, complété is common Took long enough..
- Le formulaire doit être complété avant le 15 mai.
(The form must be completed before May 15.)
2.3 Fin – “The End”
When you reach the literal end of a story, film, or performance, you may simply say fin.
- Et voilà, fin!
(And there you have it, the end!)
2.4 C’est bon – “It’s Good/Ready”
In everyday conversation, especially when tasting food or checking if something is ready, French speakers say c’est bon.
- Le gâteau? C’est bon!
(The cake? It’s done/ready!)
2.5 C’est prêt – “It’s Ready”
When the focus is on preparation rather than completion, c’est prêt is the go‑to phrase.
- Le dîner est prêt.
(Dinner is ready.)
3. Formal vs. Informal Registers
Choosing the right register helps you sound natural.
| Register | Typical word/phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Very informal (friends, texting) | C’est fini, C’est bon, C’est fait | *T’es prêt? – Ouais, c’est bon.But * |
| Neutral everyday | Fait, Terminé | *Le travail est fait. * |
| Formal / written | Terminé, Complété, Accompli | *Le rapport a été terminé le 3 avril. |
Fini (the past participle of finir) is also widely used informally: C’est fini! (It’s over!). In formal writing, terminé is preferable because fini can sound abrupt No workaround needed..
4. The Role of Auxiliary Verbs
French often uses auxiliary verbs to express “done” as a state rather than an action.
- Être + past participle (passive voice): Le travail est fait.
- Avoir + past participle (active voice): J’ai fait le travail.
Both structures are correct, but the first emphasizes the result (the work is done), while the second highlights the agent (I did the work). Understanding this subtlety helps you choose the most natural phrasing for a given sentence.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing fait with faites – Faites is the second‑person plural imperative of faire (“do!”). Saying Vous êtes faites is grammatically incorrect for “you are done.”
- Neglecting gender agreement – Terminé must match the noun: la tâche est terminée, les tâches sont terminées.
- Overusing fini in formal writing – In a business report, terminé or complété sounds more professional.
- Using déjà incorrectly – Déjà means “already.” C’est déjà fait translates to “It’s already done,” not simply “It’s done.”
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use fait for both masculine and feminine nouns?
A: Yes, fait as a past participle does not change with gender when it follows être (e.g., la tâche est faite). Even so, when fait functions as an adjective meaning “made,” it agrees: une décision faite (feminine).
Q2: When should I prefer terminé over fini?
A: Choose terminé in formal or written contexts, especially when you need a clear, unambiguous statement of completion. Fini works well in speech or informal writing.
Q3: Is c’est bon always interchangeable with c’est fait?
A: Not exactly. C’est bon often implies “it’s satisfactory” or “it tastes good,” while c’est fait strictly means “it’s done/completed.” Use c’est bon for food, tests, or when you want to convey approval Not complicated — just consistent. And it works..
Q4: How do I say “I’m done” in a confrontational tone?
A: You can use J’en ai marre (I’m fed up) or C’est fini (It’s over) to convey finality with emotion. Je n’en peux plus (I can’t take it anymore) also works in heated exchanges.
Q5: Does the expression c’est réglé mean “done”?
A: C’est réglé translates to “it’s settled” or “it’s taken care of.” It indicates that a problem or task has been resolved, which is a specific kind of “done” often used for administrative or interpersonal issues Small thing, real impact..
7. Practice Exercises
-
Translate to French: “The homework is done.”
Answer: Les devoirs sont faits. -
Choose the correct word: “The construction project is ___ (fini/terminé/complété).”
Answer: terminé (formal) or complété (technical) And that's really what it comes down to. Took long enough.. -
Rewrite in a more formal tone: “The cake is ready.”
Answer: Le gâteau est prêt. (already formal) – or Le gâteau est terminé. for a bakery context. -
Fill the gap: “Après tant d’efforts, son rêve est enfin __.”
Answer: accompli.
8. Cultural Tips
- Politeness matters. In French, saying c’est bon after someone’s effort can be a courteous way to acknowledge completion.
- Regional variations exist: in Québec, you might hear c’est fini more often than c’est terminé.
- Non‑verbal cues accompany these phrases. A nod or a smile often reinforces the sense that a task is truly finished.
Conclusion
Saying “done” in French is far from a one‑word translation exercise. Think about it: the language offers a toolbox of options—fait, terminé, accompli, complété, c’est bon, c’est prêt—each suited to a particular context, register, or nuance. By mastering these variations, you not only convey the correct meaning but also demonstrate cultural awareness and linguistic finesse Simple, but easy to overlook..
Remember to match the word to the situation: use fait for everyday speech, terminé for formal reports, accompli when celebrating personal achievements, and c’est bon when tasting a delicious dish. Practice the examples, pay attention to gender agreement, and soon you’ll be able to switch easily between the different French equivalents of “done,” making your communication clear, natural, and confidently French.
