je veux
In French, "I want" is expressed as je veux.
The phrase is used to express a desire or a wish for something.
What does it mean word for word?
The form veux is the first-person singular conjugation of the irregular verb vouloir, which means "to want".
Which one should you use?
While je veux is grammatically correct, it can sound blunt, demanding or even rude to a stranger if not followed by a polite formula. Using the conditional form je voudrais is much more polite than je veux when ordering food or asking for something in a shop.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want a person to do something, you must use je veux que followed by the subjunctive mood, rather than the English "I want you to [verb]" structure. Additionally, veux is the first-person singular conjugation of the irregular verb vouloir (to want).
Did you know?
- In French, the verb vouloir is used in the phrase vouloir dire, which literally means 'to want to say' but is the standard way to say 'to mean'.
- While je veux means 'I want', adding the word bien to create je veux bien actually transforms the phrase into a polite way to say 'I would be happy to' or 'I agree'.
- The word je shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'I', both tracing back to the same roots used to denote the self in Indo-European languages.
Examples in context
- Moi je veux ça.I want that.This sentence shows how to use je veux to express wanting a specific thing.Tatoeba #4678741 by sacredceltic, translation #2011270 by CK
- Je veux un ami.I want a friend.This example demonstrates expressing a desire for a person using je veux.Tatoeba #8703781 by Julien_PDC, translation #561834 by CK
- Je veux te voir.I want to see you.This sentence illustrates using je veux followed by an infinitive verb.Tatoeba #6614 by sysko, translation #257078 by CK
- Je voudrais une tasse de café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a cup of coffee, please.
- J'aimerais réserver une table pour deux personnes.I would like to book a table for two.
- Je veux regarder ce film.I want to watch this movie.
- J'ai envie de manger une glace.I feel like eating ice cream.
- Je désire une tasse de thé, s'il vous plaît.I would like a cup of tea, please.
- 3472 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- LucasJe veux manger une pizza aujourd'hui.I want to eat a pizza today.
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée, Lucas !That is a good idea, Lucas!
- LucasEt toi, qu'est-ce que tu veux ?And you, what do you want?
- EmmaJe veux une pizza au fromage.I want a cheese pizza.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
