avoir hâte de

Grammar here is quite simple. You take the verb avoir (to have) and conjugate it. Then add hâte de followed by an infinitive verb. For example: J'ai hâte de manger. If you want to say you look forward to a noun, use J'ai hâte de + [noun]. Just remember to keep the de in there. It acts like a bridge between your feeling and the event. Don't forget to contract de to d' before a vowel.

Use it whenever you feel a spark of genuine interest. It works perfectly when ending a phone call with a friend. Use it when replying to a party invitation. It is great for travel plans or seeing a movie. You can use it in professional emails too. It adds a touch of human warmth to business. It says, "I am actually happy to work with you."

Avoid using it for things that are mandatory or boring. Don't say you avoir hâte to pay your taxes. That just sounds sarcastic or very strange. Also, be careful with the intensity. If you use it for every tiny thing, you might seem hyperactive. It is for things that truly deserve a bit of hype. Finally, don't confuse it with se dépêcher. That means to physically move fast because you are late.

French culture values the art of anticipation. There is a specific joy in the "before" part of an event. Avoir hâte captures this cultural appreciation for waiting. It is less about the rush and more about the desire. It has been a staple of the language for centuries. It reflects a society that loves to plan social gatherings. Even the most stoic Parisian will use it for a good meal.

If you are really excited, add an adverb. J'ai vraiment hâte means "I really can't wait." You might also hear Je trépigne d'impatience. That is a much stronger version, like a kid jumping up and down. For a very formal setting, you might use Je me réjouis de. But for 95% of your life, avoir hâte is the perfect fit. It is the Goldilocks of French expressions.