What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'adore le basket is composed of je (I), adore (adore/love), le (the) and basket (a shortened form of basketball).
Which one should you use?
While le basket-ball is the full, formal name of the sport, le basket is the shortened version used commonly in conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form j'adore le basket is informal and common in everyday French. For more formal situations, you can use Je suis passionné(e) par le basketball, Le basketball est ma grande passion or Le basketball est un sport que j'affectionne tout particulièrement. In very casual or slang-heavy settings, you might hear Je suis fan de basketball !, Le basketball, c'est ma passion !, Je kiffe le basketball ! or Le basketball, c'est trop cool !
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, when expressing a liking for a sport, you must use the definite article le before the name of the sport. While j'adore expresses a strong passion, the phrase j'aime le basket is a slightly weaker alternative that can mean "I like basketball" or "I love basketball" depending on the context.
Did you know?
- The slang verb kiffer used in the phrase Je kiffe le basket originates from an Arabic word meaning 'pleasure'.
- In French, the word basket can refer to the sport itself or to a pair of sneakers. If you say j'adore mes baskets, you are actually saying 'I love my sneakers'.
- The French word panier serves as a double meaning for both a basketball hoop and a physical laundry or shopping basket.
Examples in context
- J'adore le basket.I love basketball.
- Depuis tout petit, j'adore le basket.Since I was little, I've loved basketball.
- C'est mon sport préféré, j'adore le basket.It's my favorite sport, I love basketball.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- LucasEst-ce que tu aimes le sport, Emma ?Do you like sports, Emma?
- EmmaOui, j'adore le basket ! Et toi, Lucas ?Yes, I love basketball! And you, Lucas?
- LucasMoi, j'adore le basket aussi.I love basketball too.
- EmmaOn peut jouer ensemble demain ?Can we play together tomorrow?
