je voulais
The English phrase "I wanted" is translated into French as je voulais.
This phrase is used to express a past desire or a state of wanting something or someone. It is a conjugated form of the irregular verb vouloir, which means "to want".
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between describing a continuous state and a specific event. While je voulais describes an ongoing or continuous state of wanting in the past, the form j'ai voulu (passé composé) is used to imply a sudden decision or a specific instance of wanting that occurred and was completed.
How does it change in a sentence?
This tense is used to express a continuous or ongoing state of wanting in the past.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb vouloir can be used to form the phrase vouloir dire, which means 'to mean' instead of 'to want to say'.
- Using je voulais is often a strategic social tool in French to make a request sound less demanding than the present tense.
- The English word 'ego' shares the same Latin root as the French 'je' found in je voulais. Both descend from the Latin 'egō', meaning 'I'.
Examples in context
- Je voulais y aller.I wanted to go there.This sentence shows how to use je voulais to express the desire to go somewhere.Tatoeba #845125 by sacredceltic, translation #29011 by CK
- Je voulais te voir.I wanted to see you.This sentence shows how to use je voulais to express the desire to see someone.Tatoeba #7267155 by Aiji, translation #2011511 by CK
- Je voulais te tuer.I wanted to kill you.This sentence shows how to use je voulais to express the desire to kill someone.Tatoeba #7928320 by Aiji, translation #3914175 by CK
- Je souhaitais trouver un emploi à Paris.I wanted to find a job in Paris.
- Je voulais partir en vacances cet été.I wanted to go on vacation this summer.
- Je voulais une glace, mais il faisait trop froid.I wanted ice cream, but it was too cold.
- Je désirais voyager dans le sud de la France.I desired to travel to the south of France.
- Je souhaitais acheter une nouvelle voiture l'année dernière.I wanted to buy a new car last year.
- Je voulais bien aider, mais je n'avais pas assez de temps.I really wanted to help, but I didn't have enough time.
- 484 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is explaining her reasons for calling Lucas.
- ChloéJe voulais savoir si tu étais libre.I wanted to know if you were free.
- LucasAh, je voulais justement te proposer un café.Ah, I actually wanted to suggest a coffee to you.
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
- LucasOn y va maintenant ?Shall we go now?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
