French Phrase
Pas encore, mais j'en ai envie.
Meaning
Literally “Not yet, but I have desire of it.” In everyday English it translates to “Not yet, but I’m looking forward to it” or “Not yet, but I want to.” The phrase conveys a positive anticipation while acknowledging that the action hasn’t happened.
When to use
Use this sentence when you haven’t started or done something, but you’re eager to do it soon. It works well in casual conversation about hobbies, plans, or any activity you’re excited about.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pasencore,maisj'enaienvie.
Pas encore
A fixed expression meaning “not yet”. It can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
mais
Coordinating conjunction meaning “but”, used to contrast two ideas.
j'en
Contraction of “je + en”. The pronoun *en* replaces a complement introduced by *de* (e.g., *avoir envie de*).
avoir envie de
Literally “to have desire of”. In spoken French the *de* is often replaced by *en* when the object is already known.
ai envie
Verb *avoir* in the present tense + noun *envie*; together they form the idiomatic “to feel like / to want”.
🗨In Conversation
Tu vas commencer le cours de piano?
Are you going to start piano lessons?
Pas encore, mais j'en ai envie.
Not yet, but I want to.
✕Common Mistakes
Je ai envie.
The contraction *j'* is required before a vowel sound.
J'ai envie en.
The pronoun *en* must precede the verb, not follow it.
Pas encore, mais j'en envie.
The verb *avoir* is needed; *envie* is a noun, not a verb.
↔Alternatives
Pas encore, mais j'aimerais le faire.
Not yet, but I’d like to do it.
Pas encore, mais j'ai envie de le faire.
Not yet, but I feel like doing it.
Pas encore, mais ça me tente.
Not yet, but it tempts me.
Cultural Tip
The pronoun *en* is extremely common in spoken French and often replaces a *de + noun* phrase. Native speakers use it instinctively, so practicing sentences with *en* will make your speech sound more natural. Keep in mind that *j'en ai envie* is informal; in a formal context you might say *j'ai envie de le faire*.