ce que tu aimes
The English phrase "what you like" is translated into French as ce que tu aimes.
This phrase refers to the specific things or activities that a person enjoys. If you want to express high enthusiasm informally, you might use Je kiffe (I'm crazy about) or, to express a strong attachment in a colloquial setting, Je suis accro à (I'm addicted to).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ce que literally translates to "that which" or "what" when used as a relative pronoun meaning "the thing that".
Which one should you use?
Ce que is used when "what" is the direct object of the following verb. In contrast, you would use ce qui when "what" is the subject.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to ce que vous aimez when you are addressing a group of people or when you are using the formal vous instead of the informal tu.
Did you know?
- The slang word kiffe comes from the Arabic word kif, which originally referred to the pleasure derived from smoking cannabis.
- In French, if you add the word bien to j'aime, as in j'aime bien, it actually weakens the feeling from 'love' to 'like'.
- When discussing things you like in a professional setting, French speakers often swap aimer for apprécier, as aimer can sound too personal or emotional.
Examples in context
- Fais ce que tu aimes.Do what you like.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ce que tu aimes as an object of a command.Tatoeba #8641 by Barbiche0, translation #240656 by CK
- Prends ce que tu aimes.Take what you like.Tatoeba #138671 by hortusdei, translation #3732884 by CK
- J'aime le cinéma.I like the cinema.
- Je suis fan de musique classique.I'm a fan of classical music.
- Je kiffe les soirées entre amis.I'm crazy about hanging out with friends.
- Ça me plaît de lire des romans.I enjoy reading novels.
- C'est chouette, la bière belge !Belgian beer is great!
- Dis-moi ce que tu aimes faire.Tell me what you like to do.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- HugoDis-moi ce que tu aimes faire le samedi.Tell me what you like to do on Saturdays.
- LéaJ'aime beaucoup lire dans le parc.I really like reading in the park.
- HugoC'est ce que tu aimes, n'est-ce pas ?That is what you like, isn't it?
- LéaOui, c'est tout à fait ça.Yes, that is exactly it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
