je déteste le brocoli
To say "I hate broccoli" in French, use je déteste le brocoli.
This phrase is a direct way to express a strong dislike for broccoli.
Which one should you use?
You may use either the singular form je déteste le brocoli or the plural form je déteste les brocolis to express the same sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the definite article le because in French, verbs of preference like détester require a definite article when referring to a general category of food. While le brocoli is common, you can also use the plural form les brocolis to express the same sentiment.
Did you know?
- While détester is the direct translation for 'hate', French speakers often use je n'aime pas (I do not like) because détester is perceived as an exceptionally strong emotion.
- In French, the adjective détestable can be used to describe both the foul taste of a food like le brocoli and the unpleasant personality of a person.
- The word brocoli is a loanword from the Italian broccoli, which itself is a diminutive form meaning 'small sprout'.
Examples in context
- Je déteste le brocoli, c'est vraiment dégoûtant !I hate broccoli, it's really disgusting!
- J'ai horreur du brocoli, je ne peux même pas le regarder !I can't stand broccoli, I can't even look at it!
- Je déteste le brocoli.I hate broccoli.
- Dis-lui que je déteste le brocoli.Tell him that I hate broccoli.
- Sincèrement, je déteste le brocoli.Honestly, I hate broccoli.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Emma is looking at the menu.
- NathanEmma, tu veux commander le plat du jour ?Emma, do you want to order the daily special?
- EmmaNon, je déteste le brocoli et il y en a dedans.No, I hate broccoli and there is some in it.
- NathanC'est dommage, c'est très bon.That's a shame, it's very good.
- EmmaPeut-être, mais je préfère les pâtes.Maybe, but I prefer pasta.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brocoli, je, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
