French · Real conversations
How to say “I'm not very keen on ...” in French
Express a mild dislike without making a strong rejection.
Je n'aime pas trop …
I'm not very keen on …
Name the activity or item after the expression.
Use it in three situations
Discussing food
Je n'aime pas trop les plats épicés.
I'm not very keen on spicy food.
Choosing an activity
Je n'aime pas trop la foule.
I'm not very keen on crowds.
Sharing an opinion
Je n'aime pas trop me lever tôt.
I'm not very keen on getting up early.
What to watch for
The tone is usually softer than saying that you hate something.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine expressing preferences. Say this in French: I'm not very keen on crowds.
Reveal a sample reply
Je n'aime pas trop la foule.
I'm not very keen on crowds.
Build a useful exchange
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
This expression 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.
