j'aime les biscuits
To say "I like cookies" in French, you use j'aime les biscuits.
This phrase is used to express a general preference for cookies.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I like the cookies". The use of the definite article les is necessary here to express a general preference for the entire category of cookies.
Which one should you use?
In English, the article is often omitted when talking about a general preference, but in French, you must include the definite article les to express that you like cookies in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form j'aime is a contraction of je (I) and aime (like/love). This contraction occurs because aime begins with a vowel.
Did you know?
- While biscuits is the general term, French speakers often use the English word cookie specifically to describe the soft, chewy chocolate chip variety common in America.
- The word biscuits is etymologically linked to the concept of being 'twice-cooked', a nod to the traditional method of drying them to make them shelf-stable.
- In French, the verb aimer is used for both 'like' and 'love', meaning j'aime les biscuits can indicate a casual preference or a profound passion.
Examples in context
- J'aime les biscuits.I like cookies.This sentence is useful for saying "I like cookies" using the form j'aime les biscuits.Tatoeba #5299447 by pititnatole, translation #2099853 by halfb1t
- J'aime les cookies, ils sont délicieux !I like cookies, they are delicious!
- J'adore les biscuits, je pourrais en manger tous les jours !I adore cookies, I could eat them every day!
- Les cookies, j'en raffole ! Je les trouve tellement délicieux.Cookies, I'm crazy about them! I find them so delicious.
- En général, j'aime les biscuits.In general, I like cookies.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are deciding what snack to buy at the bakery.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu veux des gâteaux ?Do you want some cakes?
- GabrielNon, mais j'aime les biscuits.No, but I like cookies.
- ChloéD'accord, on prend des biscuits alors.Okay, let's get some cookies then.
- GabrielSuper, merci Chloé !Great, thanks Chloé!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries les, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
