Learning how to express your desires in a new language can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply want to communicate with French speakers in your community. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “I want this” in French, covering both formal and informal ways to express your desires. We’ll also provide some helpful tips and examples along the way, so let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “I Want This” in French
When addressing someone in a more formal or polite setting, such as in a business context or with someone you don’t know well, you’ll want to use the formal version of expressing your desires. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. Je voudrais cela.
This phrase translates to “I would like this” and is a polite way to express your desire for something. You can use it when you’re in a shop, a restaurant, or any other formal setting. Veuillez (please) can be added before the phrase for extra politeness: Veuillez, je voudrais cela.
2. J’aimerais obtenir ceci.
This phrase means “I would like to get this” and is another formal way to express your desire for an item or object. It can be used interchangeably with “Je voudrais cela.”
3. Pourriez-vous me donner cela, s’il vous plaît?
This phrase literally means “Could you give me this, please?” It is a more indirect and polite way to ask for something. It shows respect and courtesy towards the person you are speaking to.
Informal Ways to Say “I Want This” in French
In casual and familiar situations, such as when speaking with friends, family members, or people of your age group, you can use the informal expressions to convey your desires. Here are a few phrases and variations you can use:
1. Je veux ça.
This phrase translates to “I want this.” It is a straightforward and direct way to express your desire for something in informal settings. It’s commonly used among friends and peers.
2. J’ai envie de ça.
This expression means “I feel like having this.” It adds a sense of personal craving or desire to the statement, making it more casual and informal. You can use it when you’re expressing a strong want for something specific, like a food item or a drink.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions across the world, and it’s important to note that there might be minor regional variations in how people express their desires. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and accepted across most French-speaking regions. Therefore, you can confidently use them in your conversations.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and examples to help you further understand how to say “I want this” in French:
Tips:
- Remember to use appropriate gestures and body language to accompany your expression. It helps convey your message more effectively.
- Being polite and courteous, even in informal situations, is always appreciated.
- Practice pronouncing the phrases to improve your French proficiency.
Examples:
Example 1: You’re at a café and want to order a croissant, you can say, “Je voudrais un croissant, s’il vous plaît.” (I would like a croissant, please.)
Example 2: You’re shopping for souvenirs and see a beautiful postcard. You can ask, “Pourriez-vous me donner cette carte postale?” (Could you give me this postcard, please?)
Example 3: You’re at a friend’s house and see a board game you’d like to play. You can ask, “J’aimerais jouer à ce jeu, s’il te plaît?” (I would like to play this game, please?)
Example 4: You’re at a bakery and want to order a baguette. You can simply say, “Je veux une baguette.” (I want a baguette.)
Remember, learning a new language takes time and practice. These phrases will undoubtedly help you communicate your desires in French, but don’t forget to immerse yourself in the language and culture to truly master the art of expressing yourself effectively. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)
