je voudrais
In French, "I would like to" is expressed as je voudrais.
je voudrais is used to express a wish or to make a polite request for something.
Which one should you use?
While je veux is a direct translation of "I want", je voudrais is the standard polite form used to make requests in settings such as restaurants or shops.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I would like to [do something]", you follow je voudrais directly with the infinitive form of the second verb without adding de.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add de after je voudrais when followed by a verb. However, no preposition is needed before the infinitive.
Did you know?
- The word voudrais comes from the verb vouloir, which is a cognitive relative of the English word 'volunteer', as both share a root meaning 'to will' or 'to wish'.
- When ordering in a cafe, French people often omit je voudrais entirely and simply say un café, s'il vous plaît to be concise yet polite.
- In very formal settings, French speakers may replace je voudrais with je souhaiterais to express a wish with even greater deference.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais le voir.I would like to see it.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of je voudrais.Tatoeba #15152 by sacredceltic, translation #41846 by CK
- Je voudrais aller nager.I would like to go for a swim.Tatoeba #9857 by dafp, translation #487886 by CC
- Je voudrais te féliciter.I would like to congratulate you.Tatoeba #10476519 by Julien_PDC, translation #11014214 by tjwhale
- Je voudrais prendre un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like to have a coffee, please.
- Je voudrais acheter cette robe.I would like to buy this dress.
- Je voudrais réserver une chambre pour deux nuits.I would like to book a room for two nights.
- J'aimerais manger une pizza ce soir.I would like to eat pizza tonight.
- J'aimerais partir en vacances à la plage.I would like to go on a beach vacation.
- J'aimerais essayer ce nouveau restaurant.I would like to try this new restaurant.
- J'aimerais aller au cinéma, s'il vous plaît.I would like to go to the cinema, please.
- Je voudrais que tu viennes avec moi.I would like you to come with me.
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are at a café.
- NathanJe voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- ChloéBien sûr, Nathan. Et pour toi ?Of course, Nathan. And for you?
- NathanJe voudrais aussi un croissant.I would like a croissant too.
- ChloéC'est noté, je commande tout de suite.Got it, I'll order right away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
