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French Phrase

Je commence à bosser à 9h du matin.

/ʒə kɔ.mɑ̃s‿a bɔ.se a nœf‿œʁ dy ma.tɛ̃/
Meaning"I start working at 9 a.m."
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Meaning

Literally, 'I start working at 9 a.m.' It indicates the moment you begin your workday. The verb 'bosser' is informal, so the sentence is best used with friends or colleagues in a relaxed setting.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to tell someone your start time for a job, shift, or project, especially in casual conversation. It’s not appropriate for formal written communication or official documents.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Jecommenceàbosserà9hdumatin

1

Subject Pronoun (Je)

The first person singular subject pronoun used before a verb.

2

Present Tense of 'commencer'

Regular -er verb; conjugated as 'commence' for 'je'.

3

Preposition 'à' before infinitive

When 'commencer' is followed by another verb, use 'à' + infinitive.

4

Informal verb 'bosser'

Slang for 'travailler' (to work); acceptable in casual conversation.

5

Time expression 'à 9h du matin'

Specifies the exact hour; 'du matin' clarifies it is AM.

🗨In Conversation

A

À quelle heure tu commences aujourd'hui ?

What time do you start today?

Je commence à bosser à 9h du matin.

I start working at 9 a.m.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Je commence de bosser à 9h du matin.

    Do not use 'commencer de' – the correct preposition after 'commencer' is 'à'.

  • Je commence à bosser à 9h du matin.

    In formal contexts, replace the slang 'bosser' with 'travailler'.

  • Je commence à bosser à 9hdu matin.

    When writing the time, use a space before 'du' and avoid mixing numerals with words like 'neuf heures du matin' unless you want to emphasize the hour.

↔Alternatives

  • Je débute mon travail à 9h du matin.

    I begin my work at 9 a.m.

  • Je commence à travailler à 9h du matin.

    I start working at 9 a.m.

  • Je commence à bosser à neuf heures du matin.

    I start working at nine in the morning.

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Cultural Tip

In France, the typical workday often starts between 8 h and 9 h. Saying 'bosser' signals a relaxed tone; in a professional email you would replace it with 'travailler' or 'commencer à travailler'. Also, note that many cafés open around 7 h, so a 9 h start is common for office workers.