Vouloir (en. To want)

/vulwaʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

To have the will or desire to do something.

I want to go to the movies tonight.

Je veux aller au cinéma ce soir.

To express a request or wish.

She wants a coffee, please.

Elle veut un café, s'il te plaît.

To indicate an obligation or necessity.

You must want to study in order to succeed.

Il faut vouloir étudier pour réussir.

From Latin 'volo, velle', which means 'I want'.

I mean that...

This expression is used to clarify or explain a thought.

Je veux dire que...

To want is to be able to.

This means that willpower is the key to achievement.

Vouloir, c'est pouvoir.

I'm willing.

This expresses acceptance of an offer.

Je veux bien.

desire

A strong desire for something.

désir

will

The ability to act deliberately.

volonté

aspiration

An intense desire for something.

aspiration

To want to say something.

That means I agree!

Ça veut dire que je suis d'accord !

To want to do something warmhearted.

I feel like going out tonight, that’s how I want it.

J'ai envie de sortir ce soir, c'est comme ça que je veux.