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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 ±¹´Ç¾±±ôà, 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