French Phrase
C'est la première fois que je viens ici.
Meaning
Literally, "It is the first time that I come here." The speaker is stating that this is their inaugural visit to the place they are currently at.
When to use
Use this sentence when you arrive at a new location—be it a restaurant, a city, a class, or any setting—and want to comment on the novelty of the experience.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estlapremièrefoisquejeviensici.
C'est
Contraction of "cela est"; used to introduce statements, similar to "it is" in English.
première fois
A fixed expression meaning "first time"; "première" agrees in gender with "fois" (feminine).
que
Conjunction linking the main clause with a subordinate clause that describes the event.
venir (present)
The verb "venir" in present tense (je viens) indicates an action happening now; here it marks the occurrence of the first visit.
ici
Adverb of place meaning "here".
🗨In Conversation
C'est la première fois que je viens ici.
It's the first time I'm coming here.
Bienvenue! Vous aimez le quartier?
Welcome! Do you like the neighborhood?
✕Common Mistakes
C'est la première fois que je suis venu ici.
Using the past participle "venu" suggests a completed action, which conflicts with the present‑time nuance of "first time".
C'est le premier fois que je viens ici.
"fois" is feminine, so the adjective must be "première".
C'est la première fois je viens ici.
The conjunction "que" is required to link the clauses.
↔Alternatives
C'est ma première visite ici.
This is my first visit here.
C'est la première fois que je suis ici.
It's the first time that I'm here.
Je viens ici pour la première fois.
I am here for the first time.
Cultural Tip
In French, "première fois" is always followed by the conjunction "que" when introducing a clause (e.g., "la première fois que je..."), unlike English which can drop the conjunction. Also, native speakers often prefer "je viens" for a first-time arrival, but "je suis" can be used when emphasizing the state of being present.