French - Preferences

J'aime bien ___.

I like ___.

Meaning: I like ___.

When to use: Use J'aime bien + a noun or verb when you want to say you like something in a normal, friendly way.

J'aime beaucoup ___.

I really like ___.

Meaning: I really like ___.

When to use: Use J'aime beaucoup to show a stronger liking than J'aime bien; works with activities or things.

J'aime pas ___.

I don't like ___.

Meaning: I don't like ___.

When to use: Use J'aime pas in everyday spoken French to say you don’t like something (casual). For more formal speech say Je n'aime pas ___.

Tip: Beginner learners sometimes try to use 'ne' in casual speech; both forms are fine but spoken French often drops 'ne'.

Je suis pas très fan de ___.

I'm not a big fan of ___.

Meaning: I'm not a big fan of ___.

When to use: Use Je suis pas très fan de when you want to say a mild dislike politely in casual conversations.

Tip: Learners sometimes add 'ne' in very formal contexts; spoken French commonly drops it: Je suis pas très fan de...

Je préfère ___.

I prefer ___.

Meaning: I prefer ___.

When to use: Use Je préfère to state a simple preference for a thing, activity, or option.

Je préfère ___ à ___.

I prefer ___ to ___.

Meaning: I prefer ___ to ___.

When to use: Use Je préfère ___ à ___ when you compare two options and say which one you like more.

Tip: A common error is using 'que' instead of 'à' before the second option; use 'à' here: Je préfère X à Y.

Mon ___ préféré, c'est ___.

My favorite ___ is ___.

Meaning: My favorite ___ is ___.

When to use: Use Mon ___ préféré, c'est ___ to name a favorite thing in a specific category (sport, color, film, etc.). Adjust gender: Ma ... préférée for feminine nouns.

Tu aimes bien ___ ?

Do you like ___?

Meaning: Do you like ___?

When to use: Use Tu aimes bien ___ ? to ask informally whether someone likes something (use articles with nouns: le, la, les).

Tu préfères ___ ou ___ ?

Which do you prefer, ___ or ___?

Meaning: Which do you prefer, ___ or ___?

When to use: Use Tu préfères ___ ou ___ ? to ask someone to choose between two options in an informal situation.

J'adore ___.

I love ___.

Meaning: I love ___.

When to use: Use J'adore to express a strong liking for an activity, thing, or non-romantic affection for a person.

J'aime bien ___.

I enjoy ___.

Meaning: I enjoy ___.

When to use: J'aime bien can also express enjoying an activity; use it with an infinitive verb or a noun.

Je déteste ___.

I hate ___.

Meaning: I hate ___.

When to use: Use Je déteste to express a strong dislike. It's common and direct in everyday speech.

Je ne supporte pas ___.

I can't stand ___.

Meaning: I can’t stand ___.

When to use: Use Je ne supporte pas ___ for a very strong dislike. In casual speech people may drop 'ne' and say Je supporte pas ___.