avoir besoin de / avoir envie de

Carolyn T.A2Kwiziq community member

avoir besoin de / avoir envie de

I recently did the lesson on "avoir envie de" (Avoir envie de = To feel like, want to (French Expressions with avoir)%252Fsearch%253Fs%253Denvie), which includes as an example "J'ai envie d'aller aux toilettes". I used this phrase in this exercise and was marked wrong. Was it correct? Are there any guidelines for which "need" phrase is most appropriate for a given situation? 

Asked 2 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Carolyn,

We have added the option 'avoir envie d'aller aux toilettes' to the possibilities so thank you for pointing this out.

Bonne Continuation !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Carolyn,

I would expect if someone needs the toilet then the situation is pressing.

The English above uses the word "needs" and that provides the clue to the French.

To use "avoir envie de" does not express the "need" nor the potential urgency - this expresses quite a mild desire.

"avoir besoin de" is the most appropriate term to employ in this situation because the "need" is clearly expressed.

Hope this helps

Bonne continuation,

Jim

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

As a self-marked exercise, you decide if the answer is correct or not. ‘J’ai envie d’aller aux toilettes ‘ is perfectly acceptable in this context, and regularly used colloquially. It should be on accepted list if it isn’t already. No ‘need’ to mark yourself down on this one. 

avoir besoin de / avoir envie de

I recently did the lesson on "avoir envie de" (Avoir envie de = To feel like, want to (French Expressions with avoir)%252Fsearch%253Fs%253Denvie), which includes as an example "J'ai envie d'aller aux toilettes". I used this phrase in this exercise and was marked wrong. Was it correct? Are there any guidelines for which "need" phrase is most appropriate for a given situation? 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...