Chapter 44: The Boss

Don't fix the car yourself. Have it repaired. Use "Faire" to get things done.

Subject + Faire (Conjugated) + Infinitive

Je fais réparer ma voiture.

(I am having my car repaired.)

Dialogue: La Vie de Château

Discussing household renovations.

Leo

Tu as peint ton salon toi-même ?

(Did you paint your living room yourself?)

Non, je l'ai fait peindre par un professionnel. C'est plus propre.

(No, I had it painted by a professional. It's cleaner.)

Mia

Leo

Et ta voiture ? Tu la répares ?

(And your car? Are you repairing it?)

Jamais ! Je la fais réparer au garage.

(Never! I have it repaired at the garage.)

Mia

Le Coin Culturel: DIY vs Pro

While many French people love "bricolage" (DIY), using the Causative Faire ("Je fais faire...") is very common to clarify responsibility. It avoids ambiguity. "J'ai construit ma maison" means you physically laid the bricks. "J'ai fait construire ma maison" means you hired the builders.

You are the Boss

Delegate the task!

I cook. (Je cuisine.)

Delegate it

She washes the car. (Elle lave la voiture.)