Six ways to say "I want" in French

One of the first phrases beginners will learn in any language is 'I want', for without it, we would surely struggle to get anything at all! Most learners will be familiar with one or two ways to express this in French, but since 'I want' is such a common expression, being able to articulate it in different ways will help diversify your vocabulary. Here are six ways to express a desire in French to help you mix up your phrases!

This is one of the most common ways to ask for something in French. It translates to 'I would like' and is a safe bet for many beginners when it comes to asking for anything in French in a polite way. Je voudrais is the conditional of the irregular verb ‘vouloir’ which means ‘to want’.

For more information on irregular verbs, check out our blog.

Examples:

Je voudrais un café. - I would like a coffee.

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous. - I would like to make an appointment.

This is a very similar phrase as it stems from the same verb ‘vouloir’, but in this case it is in the present tense rather than the conditional mood, and therefore translates simply to ‘I want’, making this a less formal version of ‘Je voudrais’. They are not interchangeable, however, as ‘Je veux’ would be considered too blunt in a social context.

Examples:

Je veux une chambre. – I want a room.

Je veux prendre le bus. - I want to take the bus.

This phrase differs slightly as it translates to ‘I’ll have’, it stems from the verb ‘aller’ which means ‘to go’. This phrase is especially useful in a cafe/restaurant situation as it is a more direct statement, suitable for when you’ve made a choice from the menu.

Examples:

Je vais prendre des frites. – I’ll have the chips.

Je vais prendre du cidre, s'il vous plaît. – I’ll have some cider, please.

This is quite a versatile phrase as it can be used when speaking both of an immediate want, as well as a long-term wish. It translates to ‘I would like/love’, so it can be used interchangeably with ‘Je voudrais’ but can also be used for more general statements.

Examples:

J'aimerais visiter les attractions. - I would like to visit the attractions.

J'aimerais une salade. – I would like a salad.

This phrase represents a softer way of communicating a desire, as it translates to ‘I feel like’. Oftentimes it is used when speaking of a wish rather than a short-term want, similarly to ‘J'aimerais’, but it can still be used to ask for something in a more casual tone.

Examples:

J'ai envie de partir en vacances. – I feel like going on holiday.

J'ai envie de manger une glace. – I feel like eating an ice-cream.

Of course, it’s possible to simply state what you’d like and add 'please' (‘s’il vous plait’) afterwards. This is a simple way to ask for something quickly whilst remaining courteous.

Examples:

L'addition, s'il vous plaît. – The bill, please.

Un jus d'orange, s'il vous plaît. – Orange juice, please.

Of course, you can also add 's’il vous plait' onto the end, or at the beginning, of any of the phrases above to make them extra polite.

For further details on how to order from a restaurant in France, check out our blog.