What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I like the sport', where the singular form of the word is used to represent the general concept of sports.
Which one should you use?
While j'aime le sport is the most natural way to discuss the concept of athletics in general, you may also see j'aime les sports. Using the plural les sports sounds more as if you are referring to a specific list of different disciplines.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a general interest, the singular j'aime le sport is the most common. However, you can use the plural form j'aime les sports to refer to specific types of sports.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying j'aime sport. English speakers often forget the definite article, but in French, you must include le or les when expressing a general preference for a noun.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb aimer is used for both 'to like' and 'to love'. To specify that you only 'like' sports without feeling a passionate love for them, you would need to add the modifier bien, as in j'aime bien le sport.
- The word sport is actually a linguistic traveler from English. It entered the French language in the early 19th century, though early speakers actually pronounced the final 't' sound.
- In France, the word sport is often used to describe a specific type of 'sporty' aesthetic or lifestyle, such as un look sport, regardless of whether the person is currently exercising.
Examples in context
- J'aime le sport.I like sports.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase j'aime le sport.Tatoeba #11925 by Pharamp, translation #435162 by CK
- En général, j'aime le sport.In general, I like sports.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- NathanEst-ce que tu es très sportive, Manon ?Are you very athletic, Manon?
- ManonOui, car j'aime le sport.Yes, because I like sports.
- NathanMoi aussi, j'aime le sport.Me too, I like sports.
- ManonC'est super, Nathan !That's great, Nathan!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, sport, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
