Lock in our old prices!
Your last chance to upgrade at these rates »

When do you use vouloir and when do you us avoir envie de

Sarah C.A1Kwiziq community member

When do you use vouloir and when do you us avoir envie de

Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Vouloir = literally: to want. It is a direct way express a desire or wish.
Avoir envie de = "to have a desire for", "to be in the mood for something". L'envie means a wish, a desire or a longing.

Both mean very similar things but the latter is a less direct form to express a wish.

Margaret F.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

J'ai envie de me balade avec un copin et puis je vuex le diner.

Diana B.A1Kwiziq community member
no elegí veulento, ya que no termina con la letra o
michael y.A1Kwiziq community member

Je veux, tu veux, vous voulez…ils veulent…, 

michael y.A1Kwiziq community member

Je veux, tu veux, vous voulez…ils veulent…, 

michael y.A1Kwiziq community member

Je veux un pull nouveau, is quite direct, I want to have a new shirt…

J’ai envie de manger poisson aujourd’hui, I feel like to have fish today… (instead of other things)

A G M.A1Kwiziq community member

Vouloir is statement of a need, avoir envie de implies more longing, physical or emotional.

When do you use vouloir and when do you us avoir envie de

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
Clever stuff happening!