How to Talk About What You Like and Dislike in French

When you learn French, it's important to be able to say what you like and dislike. This helps you in everyday chats. Whether you’re discussing food, activities, or hobbies, knowing the right words is key.

Here are the main phrases you need:

• J'aime (I like)
• Je n'aime pas (I do not like)

Using "J'aime" and "Je n'aime pas"

1. J'aime (I like)

• How to use it: When you say "J'aime," you can follow it with a thing or an action you enjoy.

Examples:

• J'aime le chocolat. (I like chocolate.)
• J'aime écouter de la musique. (I like to listen to music.)
• J'aime jouer au foot. (I like to play soccer.)

2. Je n'aime pas (I do not like)

• How to use it: With "Je n'aime pas," you can also follow it with a thing or an action you don’t enjoy.

Examples:

• Je n'aime pas les épinards. (I do not like spinach.)
• Je n'aime pas regarder la télévision. (I do not like to watch TV.)
• Je n'aime pas courir. (I do not like to run.)

Other Ways to Say Likes and Dislikes

To make your conversations more interesting, you can use different phrases.

1. Aimer bien (to kinda like)

• You can make it softer by saying “J’aime bien.”

Example:

• J’aime bien les pommes. (I kinda like apples.)

2. Détester (to hate)

• If you really want to say you dislike something, use “Je déteste.”

Examples:

• Je déteste les brocolis. (I hate broccoli.)
• Je déteste faire mes devoirs. (I hate doing my homework.)

Words and Activities to Talk About

Here are some common things and actions you might want to share your opinions on:

1. Things:

   • La musique (music)
   • Les films (movies)
   • Les livres (books)
   • Le sport (sports)
   • La danse (dance)

2. Actions:

   • Jouer (to play)
   • Regarder (to watch)
   • Écouter (to listen)
   • Manger (to eat)
   • Voyager (to travel)

Asking About Likes and Dislikes

You can ask questions to learn about what others like and dislike. This helps keep the conversation going:

• Qu'est-ce que tu aimes? (What do you like?)
• Qu'est-ce que tu n'aimes pas? (What do you not like?)

Simple Answers to Common Questions

Here are easy answers to questions about likes and dislikes:

• J’aime le chocolat. (I like chocolate.)
• Je n’aime pas le café. (I do not like coffee.)
• J’aime beaucoup lire. (I really like to read.)

How Often You Like or Dislike Something

To explain how often you like or dislike something, you can use these words:

• Toujours (always)
• Souvent (often)
• Jamais (never)

Examples:

• J'aime toujours le chocolat. (I always like chocolate.)
• Je n'aime jamais me lever tôt. (I never like to get up early.)

Conclusion

Learning these phrases will make your French conversations easier. Try using “J'aime,” “Je n'aime pas,” and other vocabulary words to express your feelings. Ask your friends about what they like or dislike with the questions above. With practice, you’ll be more confident speaking in French!