Deadly food
An American in Paris, I was eating in a café. When the waiter approached and asked if I needed anything else, I replied (in my best high school French): Non, merci. Je suis finis. The waiter laughed, and made clear to me, by crossing his hands across his chest and bowing his head, that what I had just said was: 'I'm going to die' or 'I'm finished' (professionally). To say 'I'm finished', the proper phrase was simply: J'ai fini.
Sent by: Joe
Comments
In the 80's, I cycled across France, from Chateau to Chateau. One evening at the end of an exquisite meal, and limited in speaking French, I was asked by the waiter if I was finished with my meal. I responded, saying Je suis fini. Those who did speak French, including friends, broke into laughter. What a way to learn the difference between J'ai fini, and Je suis fini. An unforgettable learning experience.
My high school French teacher always corrects us on that! When we finish a test or something, half the kids always say Je suis fini by mistake.
In Toulouse, this expression 'je suis fini' is understood to mean 'I'm (too) drunk'. When I complete assigned tasks in my office, I occasionally forget the connotations and use this phrase without thinking!
Flag this comment