I still don’t get the principle

Johanna S.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I still don’t get the principle

This lesson still leaves me confused about which construction to use. 

This question relates to:French lesson "Faire de/jouer à : talking about sports, hobbies and leisure activities in French"
Asked 2 years ago
Like1Answer1
Share
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Faire de -- this can be used with all sports and means that, generally, you're involved in this sport. Some sports can only be used with faire de, as, in French, you cannot "play" horseback riding or "play" skiing. Jouer à is mostly reserved for sports you are competing against an opponent.

Je fais de la danse. -- "I engage in dancing."
Je danse. -- I'm dancing (right now).

Je fais de la natation. -- "I participate in swimming activities."
Je nage. -- I'm swimming. (As in: I'm in the pool right now.)

Je fais du basket. -- "I am engaged in basketball." (As in: I'm in a team)
Je joue au basket. -- I'm playing basketball. (I'm on the court right now.)

Like72 years ago
Share
Johanna S. asked:View original

I still don’t get the principle

This lesson still leaves me confused about which construction to use. 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« What is the gérondif of "je suis sorti" and " je pensais"?Pourquoi pas d'article devant le mot, internet? »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...