j'aime peindre
The English phrase "I like to paint" is translated into French as j'aime peindre.
This phrase is used to express that someone enjoys the activity of creating art with paint.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), aime (like/love) and peindre (to paint).
Which one should you use?
While j'aime peindre expresses a general preference for the activity, je peins (I am painting/I paint) describes the action itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present tense of the verb aimer (to like/love) followed directly by the infinitive peindre (to paint). The infinitive form of the phrase is aimer peindre.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb aimer is used for both 'to like' and 'to love'. To distinguish between the two when talking about people, French speakers often add bien to say je l'aime bien, which actually downgrades 'love' to 'like'.
- The French word for 'paint' is peindre, which shares an ancestor with the English word 'imprint'.
- While peindre refers to the act of painting, the French have a specific word, le peintre, which can refer to both a professional artist and a house painter.
Examples in context
- J'aime peindre à l'aquarelle.I like to paint with watercolors.This sentence is useful for showing how to specify the medium.Tatoeba #8457632 by Aiji, translation #4048938 by AlanF_US
- J'aime bien peindre à l'huile.I really like to paint in oil.
- Quand je suis seul, j'aime peindre.When I am alone, I like to paint.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about their hobbies.
- HugoQu'est-ce que tu fais le week-end, Léa ?What do you do on weekends, Léa?
- LéaJ'aime peindre des paysages.I like to paint landscapes.
- HugoC'est génial ! Tu peux me montrer ?That's great! Can you show me?
- LéaOui, je vais t'apporter mes tableaux.Yes, I will bring my paintings to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peindre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
