lire des livres
The English phrase "read books" is translated into French as lire des livres.
The phrase lire des livres is used to describe the act of looking at and understanding written words in books. When you want to talk about the activity itself as a noun, you use la lecture.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb lire (to read), the partitive article des (some/plural indefinite) and the noun livres (books), literally meaning "to read some books".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to specify that you are reading a single book, use lire un livre.
Did you know?
- The word livre for 'book' and the word livre for the former French currency share the same origin. Both stem from the Latin word for 'pound', linking the weight of a book to a unit of currency.
- While lire des livres is the general phrase, French has a specific term bouquin for a book. Using the verb bouquiner instead of lire implies a more casual, hobbyist approach to reading.
- The French phrase dévorer des livres literally means 'to devour books'. It is used to describe someone who reads very quickly and with great passion.
Examples in context
- J'aime lire des livres.I like to read books.This sentence shows how to express a personal preference for the activity using lire des livres.Tatoeba #127542 by sysko, translation #2377504 by CK
- J'adore lire des livres.I love to read books.This sentence demonstrates expressing a strong affection for the activity using lire des livres.Tatoeba #942112 by sacredceltic, translation #2650888 by CK
- Il aime lire des livres.He likes to read books.This sentence shows how to describe someone else's preference using lire des livres.Tatoeba #1317158 by sacredceltic, translation #303796 by CK
- Je lis des livresI read books
- Les étudiants consultent des ouvrages pour leurs recherchesThe students refer to books for their research
- J'ai tellement aimé ce livre que je l'ai lu en boucleI loved this book so much that I read it on repeat
- Elle dévore des livres chaque semaineShe devours books every week
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing their hobbies at a café.
- NathanManon, est-ce que tu aimes lire des livres ?Manon, do you like to read books?
- ManonOui, Nathan, j'aime beaucoup lire des livres.Yes, Nathan, I really like to read books.
- NathanQuel genre de livres est-ce que tu lis ?What kind of books do you read?
- ManonJe lis surtout des romans historiques.I mostly read historical novels.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, lire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
