Learning French: what is the meaning of ça y est and when should it be used?

Ca y est. This cluster of vowel sounds is often heard in everyday French conversations. It can be used in a range of different contexts, to make a statement, ask a question or respond to one. 

Learn what this phrase means and how to use it correctly.

What does ça y est mean?

There are a few different meanings behind ça y est: that’s good, it’s done, made it, here we go, lo and behold.

Similar to the way you would use voilà, it is typically used to ask whether an action has been completed.

It can also state that something has been achieved. 

Read more: Eight phrases to help with everyday small talk in France

When do you say ça y est?

You can say ça y est in response to a question. For example, when somebody asks if you have finished a task, completed a goal, or found a lost item.

The phrase ça y est usually comes at the beginning of sentence and will often be followed by an explanation:

• Ca y est, je m'en souviens maintenant. - That's it, I remember now. 
• Ca y est, j’ai fini mes devoirs ! - All done, I finished my homework!
  
• Ca y est ! Je suis prêt. - Alright! I’m ready.
  

However, you can also say ça y est after an explanation to emphasise your point or to verify whether someone has understood what you have said. 

In some cases, ça y est can even be said when something is beginning or when something begins again after a pause:

• Ca y est, le film commence ! - Here we go, the film is starting!
• Ca y est, elle est de retour. - Lo and behold, she is back again.

Read more: Understanding 'quand même': A guide to mastering this essential French 

To whom do you say ça y est?

Ca y est is considered neutral language, so it can be used in a range of situations.

It most often appears in spoken French but can also be seen in some written contexts. 

Read more: 10 of the most difficult French words for English speakers to say