French - Wants & Needs

Je veux ___.

I want ___.

Meaning: I want ___.

When to use: Say this to state a desire for something (a thing). Keep tone in mind: it can sound direct.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use this for polite requests instead of Je voudrais; choose based on tone.

Je veux ___.

I want to ___.

Meaning: I want to ___.

When to use: Use this before an infinitive verb to say you want to do something (Je veux manger, Je veux partir).

Je ne veux pas ___.

I don't want ___.

Meaning: I don't want ___.

When to use: Use this to refuse or say you don't want an object or action (noun or infinitive).

J'ai besoin de ___.

I need ___.

Meaning: I need ___.

When to use: Say this to express a basic need (J'ai besoin de + noun or infinitive). Remember d' before a vowel sound in normal writing.

Tip: Learners sometimes forget the contraction (d') before a vowel, e.g. J'ai besoin d'eau not J'ai besoin de eau.

Je dois ___.

I need to ___.

Meaning: I need to ___.

When to use: Use with an infinitive to say a necessary action (Je dois + infinitive).

Je peux avoir ___, s'il te plaît ?

Can I have ___?

Meaning: Can I have ___?

When to use: Ask for something politely in informal contexts with a friend. In shops use s'il vous plaît.

Je voudrais ___.

I would like ___.

Meaning: I would like ___.

When to use: Use this polite phrase for orders and requests (very common and softer than Je veux).

Tip: Beginners sometimes use Je veux in shops; Je voudrais sounds more polite.

Tu veux ___ ?

Do you want ___?

Meaning: Do you want ___?

When to use: Ask informally about what someone else wants (use Vous voulez in formal situations).

Tu as besoin de ___ ?

Do you need ___?

Meaning: Do you need ___?

When to use: Ask about another person's need (Tu as besoin de + noun/infinitive).

Qu'est-ce que tu veux ?

What do you want?

Meaning: What do you want?

When to use: Ask directly what someone wants. Tone matters — you can soften it with Tu voudrais quoi ?

Je peux essayer ___ ?

Can I try ___?

Meaning: Can I try ___?

When to use: Ask permission to try on an item, sample something, or try an activity.

On va ___ ?

Let's ___.

Meaning: Let's ___ / Shall we ___?

When to use: Make a simple suggestion with On va + infinitive (On va manger ?).

Encore un peu, s'il te plaît.

More, please.

Meaning: More, please.

When to use: Ask for a small extra amount politely (Encore un peu, s'il te plaît). Use s'il vous plaît in formal contexts.