French · Real conversations
Expressing preferences: useful French phrases
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I like it
ça me plaît
I like it
- I don't like it
ça ne me plaît pas
I don't like it
- I love it!
j'adore !
I love it!
- What do you recommend?
Qu'est-ce que vous me conseillez ?
What do you recommend?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| I like it | ça me plaît I like it |
| I don't like it | ça ne me plaît pas I don't like it |
| I love it! | j'adore ! I love it! |
| What do you recommend? | Qu'est-ce que vous me conseillez ? What do you recommend? |
| I'd rather ... | Je préférerais … Show English translationI'd rather … |
| I'm in the mood for ... | J'ai envie de … Show English translationI'm in the mood for … |
| Either is fine with me. | Les deux me vont. Show English translationEither is fine with me. |
| I'm not very keen on ... | Je n'aime pas trop … Show English translationI'm not very keen on … |
| What do you like about ...? | Qu'est-ce qui te plaît dans … ? Show English translationWhat do you like about …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Tu voudrais aller ailleurs ?
Would you like to go somewhere else?
You
Je préférerais rester ici.
I'd rather stay here.
Partner
Restons, alors. Qu'est-ce que tu veux boire ?
Let's stay, then. What would you like to drink?
You
J'ai envie d'un café.
I'm in the mood for coffee.
Expressing preferences in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
