French Expression 4 - avoir envie de - to want, to feel like

French Expression 4

" avoir envie de "

1.  The most common use of this expression will be when you like to express your desire to do something. In that case the structure of the phrase will be:

Avoir envie de + infinitive form of the relevant verb - to feel like doing something

Go through the following examples

J'ai envie de prendre du thé .

I feel like having tea.


Elle a envie d'aller au cinéma .

She wants to go to cinema.

As-tu envie de dormir ? Tu baîlles ?

Do you feel like sleeping ? You are yawning ?

2. The expression can be followed by a noun. When you desire an object, you may use this expression.

Avoir envie de + quelque chose - to desire/ want something

J'ai envie d'une cravate noire.

I want a black tie.


3. Be careful while using this expression. After the preposition "de" ,if you put the name of a person / stressed pronoun , it will have a sexual connotation .

Avoir envie de + quelqu'un

To desire somebody ( sexually)

Elle a envie de lui .

She wants him.

Hope you understood the use of this common expression.

Happy learning.

T.K. Jayaraman
24/07/2015
Bangalore