Verb Vouloir

CONTENT
  1. Usage in the Sentence
  2. Make it More Formal
  3. Conjugation

There are several interesting things you need to know about the verb vouloir. Let's take a look at them.

Native

Translation

Je veux rentrer à la maison.

I want to go home.

Usage in the Sentence

Rule 1: The verb vouloir means "to want" and is used to express a requirement or wish. It can be followed by an object or an infinitive.

Native

Translation

Nous voulons acheter cette voiture.

We want to buy this car.

Il veut une glace.

He wants an ice cream.

Make it More Formal

Rule 2: You can place the verb vouloir in the conditional mood to achieve a more polite form:

Native

Translation

Il voudrait une glace.

He would like an ice cream.

Rule 3: Or put it into the imperative in the subjunctive mood to express a polite command:

Native

Translation

Veuillez fermer la fenêtre.

Would you shut the window?

Please note here that vouloir in the polite form is used pretty commonly by the French people. They can utilize it, for example, to extend an offer or an invitation.

If someone invites you to do something using the verb vouloir, remember to respond in the same subtle way. For example, you can say "Oui, je veux bien" (Yes, I would like to) or "Je voudrais bien, mais je ne peux pas" (I would like to but I can't).

Native

Translation

Est-ce que tu veux dîner avec moi ? - Oui, je veux bien.

Would you like to have dinner with me? - Yes, I'd love to (I would).

Conjugation

Rule 4: The verb vouloir is a common French verb, but it is irregular. Here's how it is conjugated in the present:

je veux
tu veux
il, elle, on veut
nous voulons
vous voulez
ils, elles veulent

Quiz

1/3

Je _ le faire.

0

correct answers.