aimerait
The English phrase "would like" can be expressed in French using aimerait.
Meaning: to want, to desire (verb)
Which one should you use?
Using the conditional form aimerait is more polite than using the present tense aime (likes) or the indicative veut (wants) when expressing a desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form aimerait is the third-person singular conditional of the verb aimer. To express different subjects, use aimerais for "I would like" or "you would like" (singular/informal) and use aimerait for "he/she/it would like".
Did you know?
- If you use aimer in the present tense to say you 'like' something, you often add bien to avoid it sounding like you are 'in love' with the object.
- While aimerait translates to 'would like', using the verb vouloir in the conditional form voudrait is actually more common in daily French for making requests.
- If you use aimerait to describe a person's desire, you are using the conditional mood, which in French is also known as the 'mode de l'imaginaire' because it describes things that are not yet certain or real.
Examples in context
- Tom aimerait voir Mary.Tom would like to see Mary.This sentence shows how to use aimerait to express a desire to see someone.Tatoeba #6771905 by GB3, translation #6769610 by CK
- Ziri aimerait recruter Rima.Ziri would like to recruit Rima.This sentence shows how to use aimerait to express a desire to recruit someone.Tatoeba #12482114 by always, translation #11176533 by Amastan
- Jean aimerait visiter le Gabon.Jean would like to visit Gabon.This sentence shows how to use aimerait to express a desire to visit a place.Tatoeba #9555966 by Julien_PDC, translation #11802556 by shekitten
- Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- Je voudrais réserver une chambre pour ce soir.I would like to book a room for tonight.
- J'aimerais commander le plat du jour.I would like to order the daily special.
- J'aimerais savoir s'il y a un distributeur de billets à proximité.I would like to know if there is an ATM nearby.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- HugoQu'est-ce que tu veux manger ce soir ?What do you want to eat tonight?
- ChloéChloé aimerait manger des pâtes.Chloé would like to eat pasta.
- HugoC'est une bonne idée !That's a good idea!
- ChloéOn peut cuisiner ensemble.We can cook together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
