What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), aime (like/love) and courir (to run).
Which one should you use?
While j'aime courir expresses a general preference for the activity, the phrase je cours means "I am running" or "I run" (as a habit) without explicitly stating enjoyment. If you want to express a stronger level of enjoyment, you can use j'adore courir, which means "I love to run". Other ways to express your interest include J'adore faire du jogging (I love jogging), J'aime beaucoup courir (I like running a lot) or Je suis passionné(e) par la course à pied (I am passionate about running).
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 form of the verb courir (to run).
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'running for' an office or a prize, French uses briguer or postuler, as courir is rarely used for political ambitions.
- In French, if you say je cours après mon chat, you are literally 'running after my cat', but the verb courir is also used in the expression courir les rues to describe something that is extremely common or easy to find.
- The English word 'course', as in a golf course or a race course, and the French verb courir both descend from the same Latin root currere, meaning 'to run'.
Examples in context
- J'aime courir.I like to run.This example shows how to use j'aime courir to state your preference.Tatoeba #6224 by hortusdei, translation #259193 by CK
- J'aime courir parce que cela me permet de me détendre et d'améliorer ma condition physiqueI like to run because it allows me to relax and improve my physical condition
- J'adore courir en plein airI love running outdoors
- J'aime courir le matin.I like to run in the morning.
- J'aime courir dans le parc.I like to run in the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their exercise routines at a cafe.
- NathanEst-ce que tu fais du sport ?Do you do sports?
- LéaOui, j'aime courir souvent.Yes, I like to run often.
- NathanMoi, j'aime courir aussi !Me, I like to run too!
- LéaC'est génial, Nathan.That's great, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries courir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
