In French, you canuse"je voudrais" and "je veux" to say that you want something. There is still a difference as to which to use.
When to use'je voudrais'and 'je veux' in French
Look at these examples:
Je veuxune glace !I want an ice cream!
Je voudraisun coca, s'il te plaît.I would like a co*ke, please.
Je veuxun câlin.I want a hug.
Je voudraisun câlin.I would like a hug.
Note that to ask for something in French, you could use two forms of the verb vouloir:
je veux(I want) or je voudrais(I would want/like)
Je voudraisis preferable in social contexts such as in a restaurant, as it is more polite and subtle than the blunt je veux(just like in English).
[Note that j'aimerais(I would like) is also very commonly used inmore polite contexts.]
Grammar point: Je veuxis in Le Présenttense (I want), whereas je voudraisis in Le Conditionnel(I would want/like).
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Jeneveuxpas dormir!I don't want to sleep!
Je veuxun câlin.I want a hug.
Je voudraisun câlin.I would like a hug.
Bonjour,je voudraisun coca, s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like a co*ke, please.
Je voudraisun coca, s'il te plaît.I would like a co*ke, please.
Je veuxune glace !I want an ice cream!