j'aime les chats
The English phrase "I like cats" is translated into French as j'aime les chats.
This phrase is a statement used to express a general fondness for cats. While the verb part can mean both "I like" and "I love", using it with animals or objects is the standard way to express a general preference or fondness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'aime is a contraction of je (I) and aime (love/like), which occurs because aime begins with a vowel.
Which one should you use?
While j'aime les chats is the standard way to say "I like cats", other variations exist depending on the tone. J'aime bien les chats translates to "I quite like cats", and Les chats, j'en suis fan translates to "I'm a fan of cats".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, when expressing a general preference for a category of things, the definite article les is used instead of omitting the article as is done in English.
Did you know?
- In French, the word for cats chats is used in the expression avoir un chat dans la gorge to describe having a 'frog in your throat'.
- If you use the verb aimer with a person instead of an animal, you are no longer saying you 'like' them, but that you are in love with them.
- The word chat is a homonym in French, as it is spelled and pronounced exactly like the word for a 'chat' or 'conversation' in the context of online messaging.
Examples in context
- J'aime les chats. Ils sont si beaux !I like cats. They're so beautiful!This sentence is useful for expressing that cats are beautiful using j'aime les chats.Tatoeba #1966798 by sacredceltic, translation #1966596 by Spamster
- J'aime les chats.I like cats.This sentence is a simple way to state "I like cats" using j'aime les chats.Tatoeba #440770 by bourdu, translation #354379 by bourdu
- J'aime les chats, surtout les petits.I like cats, especially small ones.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing pets in a cafe.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu as un animal ?Do you have a pet?
- EmmaNon, mais j'aime les chats.No, but I like cats.
- GabrielMoi aussi, ils sont très mignons.Me too, they are very cute.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Gabriel.That's true, Gabriel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
