Je veux
The English phrase 'I want' is translated into French as Je veux.
Which one should you use?
Je veux can sound demanding or blunt to French speakers if used to order something, whereas Je voudrais is the standard polite way to express a desire. J'aimerais translates to 'I would like'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When Je veux is followed by another action, you use the infinitive form of the second verb without any preposition, such as Je veux manger (I want to eat). For making requests in shops or restaurants, using the conditional form Je voudrais is much more polite than Je veux.
Did you know?
- If you want to express a sudden, impulsive 'I want', French speakers might use the verb avoir envie de instead of vouloir to sound more natural.
- The verb vouloir used in Je veux is a cognate of the English word 'volunteer', which comes from the Latin word for 'willing'.
- In formal French legal texts, the phrase Je veux can be used to express a sovereign's will, where it functions as a command that cannot be refused.
Examples in context
- Moi je veux ça.I want that.Tatoeba #4678741 by sacredceltic, translation #2011270 by CK
- Je veux un ami.I want a friend.Tatoeba #8703781 by Julien_PDC, translation #561834 by CK
- Je veux te voir.I want to see you.Tatoeba #6614 by sysko, translation #257078 by CK
- Je souhaite un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- Je souhaite réserver une table pour quatre personnes.I would like to reserve a table for four people.
- J'aimerais acheter cette robe.I would like to buy this dress.
- Je veux une glace au chocolat.I want a chocolate ice cream.
- Je veux aller à la plage demain.I want to go to the beach tomorrow.
- Je voudrais regarder un film ce soir.I would like to watch a movie tonight.
- Je voudrais une bière, s'il te plaît.I would like a beer, please.
- 3472 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- GabrielJe veux une pizza.I want a pizza.
- EmmaMoi aussi, je veux une pizza.Me too, I want a pizza.
- GabrielOn commande une grande ?Shall we order a large one?
- EmmaOui, bonne idée !Yes, good idea!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
