Introduction
The verb vouloir is an essential French verb used to express desires, wishes, or intentions. It's equivalent to the English verb "to want."
Conjugation of Vouloir
Present Tense
The present tense of vouloir is used to express current desires or wants.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | veux |
| Tu | veux |
| Il/Elle/On | veut |
| Nous | voulons |
| Vous | voulez |
| Ils/Elles | veulent |
Imperfect Tense
The imperfect tense indicates a past desire that was ongoing or habitual.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | voulais |
| Tu | voulais |
| Il/Elle/On | voulait |
| Nous | voulions |
| Vous | vouliez |
| Ils/Elles | voulaient |
Future Tense
The future tense is used to express what someone will want.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | voudrai |
| Tu | voudras |
| Il/Elle/On | voudra |
| Nous | voudrons |
| Vous | voudrez |
| Ils/Elles | voudront |
Conditional Mood
The conditional mood is used to express a desire or wish that is hypothetical or polite.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | voudrais |
| Tu | voudrais |
| Il/Elle/On | voudrait |
| Nous | voudrions |
| Vous | voudriez |
| Ils/Elles | voudraient |
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive is used to express wishes, doubts, or uncertainties.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | veuille |
| Tu | veuilles |
| Il/Elle/On | veuille |
| Nous | voulions |
| Vous | vouliez |
| Ils/Elles | veuillent |
Perfect Tense
The perfect tense of vouloir is used to talk about completed actions in the past.
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | ai voulu |
| Tu | as voulu |
| Il/Elle/On | a voulu |
| Nous | avons voulu |
| Vous | avez voulu |
| Ils/Elles | ont voulu |
Usage Examples
- Present Tense:
- Imperfect Tense:
- Future Tense:
- Conditional Mood:
- Subjunctive Mood:
- Perfect Tense:
Common Phrases with Vouloir
- Je veux bien.
(I gladly accept./I’m willing.)
- Que veux-tu dire ?
(What do you mean?)
- Nous voulons des preuves.
(We want proof.)
Conclusion
Vouloir is a versatile verb that plays a crucial role in expressing desires and intentions in French. Whether you're making a request, stating a wish, or expressing a preference, vouloir helps convey what you want.