j'aime lire des livres
j'aime lire des livres is the French way to say "I like to read books".
This phrase is used to express a personal fondness for the activity of reading books.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I like to read some books" because des is the indefinite plural article.
Which one should you use?
In French, it is more natural to use des livres (some books) rather than les livres (the books) when expressing a general preference for the activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form j'aime is a contraction of je (I) and aime (like/love) because aime begins with a vowel. When using the verb aimer (to like) followed by another verb, the second verb lire must be in its infinitive form.
Did you know?
- The French word for 'book' livre is a homonym with the name of the former national currency of France. Both words share the same spelling and pronunciation.
- While j'aime means 'I like', it is also the exact same word used for 'I love'. To specify that you only 'like' someone in a romantic sense, French speakers often add the adverb bien.
- French has a specific word bouquin which is a common, informal alternative to livre. A person who loves books might call themselves a bouquiniste if they deal in second-hand volumes.
Examples in context
- J'aime lire des livres.I like to read books.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase j'aime lire des livres.Tatoeba #127542 by sysko, translation #2377504 by CK
- Le soir, j'aime lire des livres au calme.In the evening, I like to read books in peace.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- ChloéQuels sont tes passe-temps, Hugo ?What are your hobbies, Hugo?
- HugoJ'aime lire des livres, et toi Chloé ?I like to read books, and you Chloé?
- ChloéMoi aussi, j'aime lire des livres tous les jours.Me too, I like to read books every day.
- HugoC'est une excellente passion.It is an excellent passion.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
