Je veux ça
In French, "I want that" is translated as Je veux ça.
The phrase is used to express a desire to possess or obtain a specific object. However, be aware that using Je veux ça can sound blunt or demanding in many social contexts. To be more polite, it is better to use Je voudrais ça (I would like that).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Je (I), veux (want) and ça (that).
Which one should you use?
Je veux cela is a more formal version used more often in written French.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase negative (to say "I don't want that"), place ne… pas around the conjugated verb veux to form Je ne veux pas ça.
Did you know?
- The word ça is a calque of the German word Es, which is used as a noun to represent the 'id' in psychoanalysis.
- The word veux comes from the same root as the English word 'volition', which refers to the faculty of using one's will.
- In very casual spoken French, people often drop the ne in the negative form. Instead of saying Je ne veux pas ça, you will frequently hear people say Je veux pas ça in daily life.
Examples in context
- Moi je veux ça.I want that.Tatoeba #4678741 by sacredceltic, translation #2011270 by CK
- Je voudrais cela.I would like that.
- J'aimerais cela, s'il vous plaît.I would like that, please.
- Est-ce que je pourrais avoir cela, s'il vous plaît?Could I have that, please?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir ça?Can I have that?
- Je veux ça pour mon anniversaire.I want that for my birthday.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are looking at toys in a store.
- NathanRegarde ce robot bleu, Léa.Look at this blue robot, Léa.
- LéaIl est vraiment cool !It is really cool!
- NathanJe veux ça, s'il te plaît.I want that, please.
- LéaD'accord, on l'achète.Okay, we are buying it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
