French Phrase
J'ai un rdv.
Meaning
Literally, "I have an appointment." It can refer to a professional meeting, a doctor's visit, or a personal date. The abbreviation "rdv" is informal, so the phrase is best used in casual conversation or written messages among friends.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to tell someone that you are busy because you have a scheduled meeting. It works in both personal and work contexts, but avoid it in very formal writing where the full form "rendez‑vous" is preferred.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aiunrdv
Contraction (J')
The subject pronoun "je" contracts to "j'" before a vowel or mute h, as in "j'ai".
Verb "avoir" (ai)
"ai" is the first‑person singular present of the verb "avoir" (to have).
Indefinite article (un)
"un" is the masculine singular indefinite article, used because "rendez‑vous" is masculine.
Abbreviation (rdv)
"rdv" is the common written abbreviation for "rendez‑vous"; it remains masculine and singular.
🗨In Conversation
Tu viens au cinéma ce soir ?
Are you coming to the movies tonight?
Désolé, j'ai un rdv.
Sorry, I have an appointment.
✕Common Mistakes
je ai un rdv.
The subject pronoun "je" contracts to "j'" before a vowel; "je ai" is incorrect.
J'ai une rdv.
"rendez‑vous" is masculine, so the article must be "un", not "une".
J'ai un rendez vous.
The correct spelling includes a hyphen: "rendez‑vous". Without it, the phrase is considered a spelling error.
↔Alternatives
J'ai un rendez‑vous.
I have an appointment.
Je dois rencontrer quelqu'un.
I have to meet someone.
Je suis pris(e).
I'm busy.
Cultural Tip
In French, "rendez‑vous" can be both a professional meeting and a romantic date. The abbreviation "rdv" is widely used in texts, emails, and informal notes, but in formal letters or official documents you should write the full word with the hyphen. Also, French speakers often specify the type of appointment (e.g., "un rdv chez le médecin") when context isn’t clear.