French Phrase
J'ai un rendez-vous.
Meaning
Literally, “I have an appointment.” It is used to tell someone that you are scheduled to meet someone else at a specific time or place. The phrase can refer to a professional meeting, a doctor's visit, a coffee date, or any pre‑arranged encounter.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to inform a friend, colleague, or service provider that you are booked for a meeting. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but you can add the time or place for extra clarity (e.g., *J'ai un rendez‑vous à 14h*).
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aiunrendez-vous
Contraction J'
The subject pronoun *je* contracts to *j'* before a vowel or mute *h* to keep the flow of speech.
Present of *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 here because *rendez‑vous* is masculine.
Compound noun *rendez‑vous*
*Rendez‑vous* is a fixed compound noun meaning “appointment” or “meeting”; it is always written with a hyphen.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai un rendez‑vous à 15h, on se retrouve au café du coin ?
I have an appointment at 3 p.m.; shall we meet at the corner café?
Parfait, à tout à l'heure !
Perfect, see you later!
✕Common Mistakes
Je ai un rendez‑vous.
The subject pronoun *je* contracts to *j'* before a vowel; never write *Je ai*.
J'ai un rendez vous.
*Rendez‑vous* is always hyphenated; without the hyphen it looks like two separate words and is considered incorrect.
J'ai des rendez‑vouses.
*Rendez‑vous* is invariable; it does not take a plural *-s*.
↔Alternatives
Je dois rencontrer quelqu'un.
I have to meet someone.
J'ai un entretien.
I have an interview.
Je suis censé être à...
I’m supposed to be at...
Cultural Tip
In French culture punctuality is valued, especially for professional or medical appointments. It’s common to confirm the time with *à quelle heure ?* and to apologize if you’re late: *Je suis désolé(e) du retard*.