j'aime dessiner
The English phrase "I like to draw" is translated into French as j'aime dessiner.
The phrase is used to express that someone enjoys the activity of creating pictures with a pen or pencil.
Which one should you use?
For example, you might use Je suis passionné(e) par le dessin. to emphasize a passion or Je kiffe dessiner! to express a casual interest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, one can say J'aime ça dessiner. to express liking to draw.
Did you know?
- In casual French slang, the word kiffer used in Je kiffe dessiner! actually comes from the Arabic word 'kif', which refers to the pleasure derived from smoking cannabis.
- The French verb dessiner is a doublet of désigner, meaning 'to designate' or 'to point out'. While one creates an image and the other identifies something, they share the same linguistic root.
- The verb dessiner is often used metaphorically to describe how nature 'draws' landscapes, such as when a river dessine a curve through a valley.
Examples in context
- J'aime dessiner.I like to draw pictures.This sentence is useful for practicing the basic statement j'aime dessiner.Tatoeba #6706 by TRANG, translation #256602 by CK
- J'adore dessiner, c'est ma façon de me relaxer.I love to draw, it's my way of relaxing.
- J'aime dessiner des portraits.I like to draw portraits.
- Quand je suis seul, j'aime dessiner.When I am alone, I like to draw.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are sitting in a park with their sketchbooks.
- LucasEst-ce que tu aimes dessiner, Léa ?Do you like to draw, Léa?
- LéaOui, j'aime dessiner la nature.Yes, I like to draw nature.
- LucasMoi aussi, j'aime dessiner avec mon crayon.Me too, I like to draw with my pencil.
- LéaTes dessins sont très beaux, Lucas.Your drawings are very beautiful, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dessiner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
