French Expression “Ça y est !”: 10 Everyday Uses

"Ça y est!" is a very commonly used French phrase that means "That's it!" or "It's done!". It can also mean "Here we go!".

Its literal meaning is "it is there". In this post, we look at 10 ways, some of them subtle, that French speakers use this versatile phrase.

1. When something is finished

The most common ways "Ça y est" is used is when something is finally finished (or a goal is achieved), when something finally starts, or when a change happens.

So suppose you’ve been working on something for hours. When you finish the last task, you say:

"Ouf, ça y est! J'ai enfin fini!"

Phew, that's it! I'm finally done!

2. When something (or someone) has arrived

You're waiting for something to be delivered. When it finally arrives:

"Ça y est! Mon colis est arrivé. Ça fait une semaine que je l'attends."

That's it! My package has arrived. I've been waiting for it for a week.

This indicates the wait is over and what you expected has finally come.

Another common example is if you're waiting for someone to arrive and they finally do:

"Ça y est, ils sont là!"

OK, they're here!

3. When a goal was achieved

"Ça y est!" can also mean you've achieved your goal:

"Ça y est! Je suis passé directeur!"

That's it! I've been promoted to director!

4. When an event is starting

We also use "Ça y est!" when something starts. For example, you're at the theater waiting for the show to begin. As soon as it starts, you say:

"Ça y est! Ça commence!"

Here we go! It's starting!

This shows you've been impatiently waiting and you're excited that the event is starting.

5. When you're ready to do something

Another use of "ça y est" is to indicate you're all set for something. For example, you're leaving with others, and everyone is now ready to go:

"Ça y est! On y va." (Alright! Let's go.)

6. When having made a decision

"Ça y est!" can also be used when you make a decision or realize something. E.g. if you’ve been thinking about changing jobs and finally decided to do it, you say

"Ça y est, j'ai décidé de changer de travail !"

That's it, I've decided to change jobs!

This shows you’ve made up your mind.

7. When having an "aha" moment

We also use it for "got it!", having an aha moment:

"Ah ça y est! J'ai compris!"

Ah, OK! I got it!

Another way to say that is "Ah ça y est! j'y suis!"

8. When showing impatience

"Ça y est" is also often used to show impatience. E.g. if someone is taking a long time to get ready, and when they finally are:

"Ça y est? Tu es prête?"
"Oui, oui, on peut y aller maintenant."

Are you ready yet?
Yes, yes, we can go now.

9. When showing irritation

"Ça y est!" is also sometimes used to show irritation or frustration when someone does something annoying - or when an annoying thing happens again.

"Ça y est ! Tu recommences!" (there you go again!)

"Ça y est ! Ça recommence!" (there we go again!)

10. Being sarcastic

It can also be used in a sarcastic way:

"Bon ça y est? Tu as fini?"

This means "Are you done?" or "Are you finished?" with an annoyed, irritated, or impatient tone. E.g. if someone is complaining or talking nonstop. It indicates you’ve had enough and want them to stop.