French Phrase
Je finis à cinq heures.
Meaning
This phrase is used to state the specific time you complete a task or finish your workday. It uses the present tense of the verb 'finir' to describe a regular occurrence or a scheduled event.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about your daily routine, work schedule, or school hours with friends or colleagues. It is suitable for both casual and professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jefinisàcinq heures
Finir (Present Tense)
'Finir' is a regular -ir verb; for the first person singular 'je', the ending is '-is'.
Telling Time
Clock times are always preceded by the preposition 'à' and include the word 'heures'.
🗨In Conversation
Tu travailles jusqu'à quelle heure aujourd'hui ?
Until what time are you working today?
Je finis à cinq heures.
I finish at five o'clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Je finir à cinq heures.
The verb must be conjugated to match the subject 'Je'.
Je finis en cinq heures.
Use the preposition 'à' for a specific clock time; 'en' is used for duration.
↔Alternatives
Je termine à cinq heures.
I finish at five o'clock.
Je quitte le bureau à dix-sept heures.
I leave the office at 5 PM.
Cultural Tip
In France, while people often use the 12-hour clock in conversation, the 24-hour clock is the standard for written schedules and formal appointments. Saying 'dix-sept heures' is very common in professional settings to avoid ambiguity between AM and PM.