j’étais Learn Unstarted Literal Breakdown Recording English French Learn I (before a vowel sound) j’ was (1st person singular) étais Learn Summary The French translation for “I was” is j’étais. The French, j’étais, can be broken down into 2 parts:"I (before a vowel sound)" (j’) and "was (1st person singular)" (étais). Examples of "I was" in use There are 4 examples of the French word for "I was" being used: Recording English French Learn I was with Tom from 8:30 to 2:30. J’étais avec Tom de 8h30 à 14h30. Learn I was late for my plane j’étais en retard pour prendre l’avion Learn When I was little I was very shy. Quand j’étais petit, j’étais très timide. Learn When I was a child I wasn’t well-behaved. Quand j’étais enfant, je n’étais pas sage. Learn Practice Lesson "I was" Practice (6) Lesson Learn Lesson words was (1st person singular) etc. View all lesson words Lesson phrases I was, I was late for my plane, I was with Tom from 8:30 to 2:30., When I was a child I wasn’t well-behaved., When I was little I was very shy. etc. View all lesson phrases Themed Courses Miscellaneous 35 Part of Speech Courses Verbs (past tense) 1