A complete guide to understanding the French verbs vouloir (to want) and aimer (to love), including their meanings, usage, and examples.
In French, two common verbs related to desire and affection are vouloir (to want) and aimer (to love). Understanding the difference between them is key to expressing your intentions and feelings accurately. Vouloir is used to express a wish or desire for something, while aimer is used to express liking or loving someone or something.
- vouloir = to want, to wish for something
- aimer = to like, love, or enjoy something or someone
- Example*: Je veux un café. (I want a coffee.) / J’aime le café. (I love/like coffee.)
Question Introductions
To talk about what you want or love, French uses question words plus the verb.
- Que veux-tu ? (What do you want?)
- Qu’aimes-tu ? (What do you like/love?)
You can also ask about people:
- Veux-tu venir ? (Do you want to come?)
- Aimes-tu venir ? (Do you like/love coming?)
¿Cómo se pregunta 'What do you like?' en francés usando el verbo aimer? La respuesta es: "___ quoi?"
How do you ask 'What do you like?' in French using the verb aimer?
Qu’aimes-tu
The correct question is 'Qu’aimes-tu?' because 'qu’' is a contraction of 'que' meaning 'what,' and 'aimes-tu' is the second person singular form of 'aimer' (to like/love).
Short Form Answers
When answering questions about vouloir or aimer, French often uses short responses:
- Veux-tu du pain ? — Oui, je veux du pain. / Non, je ne veux pas de pain.
- Aimes-tu le chocolat ? — Oui, j’aime le chocolat. / Non, je n’aime pas le chocolat.
Using je veux expresses a clear desire, while j’aime expresses liking or love.
Broader Example Spaces
Here are some common scenarios where vouloir and aimer appear:
| Situation | Vouloir (to want) | Aimer (to like/love) |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Je veux une pomme. (I want an apple.) | J’aime les pommes. (I like/love apples.) |
| People | Je veux voir Marie. (I want to see Marie.) | J’aime Marie. (I love Marie.) |
| Activities | Je veux sortir. (I want to go out.) | J’aime sortir. (I like/love going out.) |
Additional Notes
- Vouloir is often followed by a noun or an infinitive verb: Je veux partir (I want to leave).
- Aimer can mean “to like” or “to love” depending on context. J’aime mon frère (I love my brother) vs. J’aime le chocolat (I like chocolate).
- In polite requests, vouloir is used in the conditional: Je voudrais un café (I would like a coffee).
Now you’re ready to express desires and affections clearly in French!
Can aimer mean both 'to like' and 'to love' in French?
Yes, depending on context
Aimer can mean 'to like' (e.g., 'J’aime le chocolat') or 'to love' (e.g., 'J’aime mon frère') depending on the situation.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
