French Conversation · Level 23
90 words
French word
enfin
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃fɛ̃/
Meaning
- adverbwell
Example
Bon, enfin, c'est fini.
Well, it's over.
More examples
Enfin bref, on change de sujet.
Anyway, let's change the subject.
Core concept
A small verbal hinge that closes a remark, softens a correction, or turns the conversation onward.
Common phrases
enfin bref
anyway, in short
enfin voilà
Anyway, there you go
Similar words
alors: A brief conversational signal that introduces the next action or topic.
donc: A brief conversational signal that draws a conclusion from the preceding information.
finalement: A brief signal that presents the outcome reached after a long course of events.
bref: A brief signal used to condense a discussion into its main point.
Definition in French
S'emploie pour conclure un propos, atténuer une remarque ou faire une transition signifiant «en tout cas».
Word origin
Enfin comes from Old French en fin, ultimately based on Latin finis, and its original sense of "at the end" broadened into several spoken discourse uses.
Usage tips
- Unlike English "finally," enfin often softens a correction or signals a loose conclusion rather than marking the last step in a sequence.
Other meanings
- anywayadverb
- finallyadverb