je le veux
The English phrase "I want him" can be translated into French as je le veux.
This phrase is used to express a strong desire to possess or be with a specific person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), le (him) and veux (want).
Which one should you use?
In French, the object pronoun le is placed before the verb, whereas in English, the object "him" follows the verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase negative, place ne before the pronoun and pas after the conjugated verb, resulting in je ne le veux pas (I do not want him).
Did you know?
- While je le veux translates to 'I want him', using it in a romantic context can sound aggressively possessive or obsessive. To express romantic attraction, French speakers typically use il me plaît, which literally means 'he pleases me'.
- The pronoun le in je le veux is a descendant of the Latin word 'illum', which originally meant 'that one' or 'that person'.
- Using je le veux to ask for a specific person in a service setting, such as a restaurant, is considered extremely rude and demanding.
Examples in context
- Je le veux dans mon bureau.I want him in my office.This sentence is useful for specifying the location where you want je le veux.Tatoeba #12232908 by Aiji, translation #1486180 by CM
- J'ai envie de lui, je l'aime vraiment beaucoup.I want him, I really like him a lot.
- C'est lui, je le veux.It's him, I want him.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are talking about a handsome man at a party.
- ManonRegarde cet homme, il est super.Look at that man, he is great.
- LucasOui, il a l'air très gentil.Yes, he looks very kind.
- ManonC'est décidé, je le veux !It's decided, I want him!
- LucasTu es vraiment directe, Manon.You are really direct, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
