j'aime ça
The English phrase "I like this" is translated into French as j'aime ça.
The phrase is used to express that someone finds a particular thing pleasing or enjoyable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'aime ça is composed of je (I), aime (love/like) and ça (that/this).
Which one should you use?
While ça is the most common way to say "this/that" in spoken French, ceci is the more formal and precise way to say "this" when referring to something physically present or just mentioned. Additionally, adding bien to j'aime ça often softens the expression to mean "I like this quite a bit" or "I quite like this", rather than expressing a strong passion.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ce instead of ça or ceci when trying to say "I like this", but ce cannot stand alone as a pronoun in this way.
Did you know?
- In very casual French, especially among younger generations, you might hear people replace j'aime ça with Je kiffe ça. This comes from the Arabic word 'kif', referring to pleasure or enjoyment.
- In French, using the verb aimer to talk about people can be confusing. While j'aime ça refers to an object or idea, saying je t'aime means 'I love you', whereas je t'aime bien actually downgrades the sentiment to 'I like you' as a friend.
- The word ça is a shortened version of cela. It was created by combining ce and là to point specifically to something away from the speaker.
Examples in context
- J'apprécie cela!I appreciate this!
- J'adore ça!I adore this!
- J'aime beaucoup çaI really like this
- J'aime ça.I like this.
- C'est nouveau, mais j'aime ça.It's new, but I like this.
- Est-ce que tu penses que j'aime ça ?Do you think I like this?
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- LéaRegarde ce tableau, Nathan.Look at this painting, Nathan.
- NathanLes couleurs sont magnifiques.The colors are magnificent.
- LéaMoi aussi, j'aime ça.Me too, I like this.
- NathanC'est vraiment impressionnant.It's truly impressive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
