French Phrase
J'ai hâte de les voir.
Meaning
Literally, "I have eagerness to see them," which in English is rendered as "I can't wait to see them." It conveys a strong, positive anticipation for an upcoming meeting, performance, or event involving the people referred to by "les".
When to use
Use this sentence when you are excited about meeting friends, watching a group perform, or any situation where you look forward to seeing a specific set of people. It works in both casual conversation and slightly more formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aihâtedelesvoir
J' + ai
Contraction of the subject pronoun "je" and the auxiliary verb "ai" (avoir) before a vowel or mute h.
avoir hâte de + infinitif
The expression "avoir hâte" means "to be eager" and is followed by the preposition "de" plus an infinitive verb.
les (pronoun)
Direct object pronoun for a plural masculine or mixed‑gender group, replacing a noun previously mentioned.
voir (infinitive)
Infinitive form of the verb "voir" (to see). After "avoir hâte de" the infinitive expresses the action you are looking forward to.
🗨In Conversation
Tu vas au concert ce soir ? Les membres du groupe sont enfin en ville.
Are you going to the concert tonight? The band members are finally in town.
Oui, j'ai hâte de les voir.
Yes, I can't wait to see them.
✕Common Mistakes
J'ai hâte à les voir.
The preposition after "hâte" is "de," not "à."
Je suis hâte de les voir.
"Hâte" is a noun; you need the verb "avoir" or the adjective "impatient."
J'ai hâte de les voir (referring to a single woman).
If the people are feminine only, use "les" still (neutral) but ensure the context matches; avoid mixing gender with "les" when the antecedent is clearly feminine singular.
↔Alternatives
Je suis impatient(e) de les voir.
I am eager to see them.
J'ai très hâte de les voir.
I am really looking forward to seeing them.
Je me réjouis de les voir.
I look forward to seeing them.
Cultural Tip
In French, "avoir hâte de" is the standard way to express eager anticipation. It is slightly more formal than "être impatient de," which can sound a bit stronger. Remember to keep the preposition "de" after "hâte"; using "à" (e.g., *j'ai hâte à les voir*) is a common mistake. The pronoun "les" must agree with the gender and number of the people you refer to, and the liaison between "J'" and "ai" as well as between "hâte" and "de" is natural in spoken French.