arriver
happen
The French word 'arriver' translates to 'happen' in English. It is used to describe when something occurs or comes to pass, similarly to how 'happen' is used in English. For instance, 'Qu'est-ce qui est arrivé?' means 'What happened?'. It is also used in various contexts and expressions, making it an important word to learn in the French language.
Example sentences using: arriver
Je vais arriver en retard au travail.
I am going to be late for work.
This sentence uses the future tense of the verb 'arriver' (to arrive), combined with 'en retard' (late) and 'au travail' (for work). It's a common way to say you will be late to somewhere.
Ils vont arriver demain.
They are going to arrive tomorrow.
This phrase is using the verb 'arriver' in the simple future tense to express an event that is going to take place in the near future.
J'essaie d'arriver à temps pour le film.
I'm trying to arrive on time for the movie.
This phrase uses the verb 'arriver' along with 'à temps' (on time), indicating the speaker's effort to be punctual for a specific event (the movie).
C'est difficile d'arriver à la fin du mois sans argent.
It's hard to get to the end of the month without money.
Here, 'arriver' is used metaphorically to mean 'get' or 'reach'. The phrase implies the struggle of making one's resources last until month's end.
La lettre est enfin arrivée.
The letter has finally arrived.
This phrase uses 'arriver' in the compound past tense, 'est arrivée', to indicate that the letter's arrival had been awaited and has now occurred.
Tu sembles arriver à une conclusion.
You seem to arrive at a conclusion.
Here, 'arriver' is used metaphorically to indicate reaching a mental conclusion or decision. This is a common usage in both formal and informal contexts.
Nous devons arriver avant le coucher du soleil.
We need to arrive before sunset.
This is a directive sentence which uses the verb 'arriver' to indicate a timely arrival on or before a specified time (sunset).
Je suis surpris d'arriver première dans la course.
I am surprised to arrive first in the race.
In this sentence, 'arriver' is used to denote the achievement of a rank or position in a competitive situation (a race in this case).
Elle a hâte d'arriver à la maison.
She's eager to get home.
The verb 'arriver' in this context is implying 'get'. The sentence expresses anticipation for reaching a destination, in this case, home.
Il est dangereux d'arriver à une conclusion hâtive.
It's dangerous to come to a hasty conclusion.
Here, 'arriver' is used in a metaphorical sense to represent the process of reaching a conclusion, particularly a hasty one, which can lead to misjudgement.