Which one should you use?
While the standard, neutral way to say 'to want' in everyday French is vouloir, the verb désirer implies a deeper or more passionate longing. For expressing a specific desire or craving in an informal way, you can use the phrase avoir envie de, which means 'to feel like'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb désirer is a formal and direct way to express desire with a stronger connotation, and using it instead of vouloir makes a request sound much more formal or literary. For formal expressions of wishing or longing, you might use souhaiter to express desire politely or aspirer à to convey aspiration. In contrast, avoir envie de is an informal way to say one feels like doing something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun désir corresponds to the regular '-er' verb désirer, which means 'to desire'.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ziʁ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- Because désirer is so strong, using it in a service setting, like a restaurant, can sound overly dramatic or sexually suggestive compared to the neutral vouloir.
- The expression avoir envie de is so common that it is often used for pregnancy cravings, which are called les envies de femme enceinte.
- While désirer is used for passion, French uses the verb convoiter to describe the specific kind of desire that is forbidden or involves wanting something that belongs to someone else.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce que tu désires ?What do you desire?This sentence is useful for asking what someone desires using désir.Tatoeba #3256521 by nimfeo, translation #3256345 by CM
- C'est un désir humain fondamental.It's a fundamental human desire.This sentence is useful for describing a fundamental human désir.Tatoeba #1544642 by sacredceltic, translation #1544045 by Spamster
- Ne confonds pas le désir avec l’amour.Don't confuse desire with love.This sentence is useful for distinguishing désir from love.Tatoeba #533576 by zmoo, translation #324955 by CM
- Je souhaite une excellente journée à tous mes collègues.I wish all my colleagues an excellent day.
- Elle désire ardemment obtenir cette promotion.She ardently desires to obtain that promotion.
- Ils aspirent tous à la paix dans le monde.They all aspire for peace in the world.
- Je veux vraiment un nouveau téléphone.I really want a new phone.
- J'ai envie de manger une glace.I feel like eating ice cream.
- On se retrouve au café demain ? Ça me dit !Shall we meet at the café tomorrow? I'm up for it!
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are talking about their feelings during a romantic evening.
- NathanJe te désire depuis longtemps, Chloé.I have desired you for a long time, Chloé.
- ChloéJe ressens la même chose pour toi, Nathan.I feel the same thing for you, Nathan.
- NathanJe ne peux plus cacher que je te désir.I can no longer hide that I desire you.
- ChloéAlors, ne dis plus rien et embrasse-moi.Then, say no more and kiss me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry désir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
