Updated April 1, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
📘 Vouloir meaning
Vouloir is a French verb meaning “to want” or “to wish.” It is used to express desire, intention, or willingness, both for things (je veux un café — I want a coffee) and actions (nous voulons partir — we want to leave). In polite situations, vouloir is commonly used in the conditional form “je voudrais” to mean “I would like.”
🎧 Vouloir pronunciation
The pronunciation of vouloir is /vu.lwaʁ/, which sounds like “voo-lwar”.
📝 Vouloir examples
Je veux apprendre le français cette année.
I want to learn French this year.
Nous voudrions réserver une table pour deux.
We would like to reserve a table for two.
Tu veux venir au cinéma avec nous?
Do you want to come to the cinema with us?
Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs.
I want you to do your homework.
Il veut bien m’aider, mais il est occupé.
He’s willing to help me, but he’s busy.
Que veut dire ce mot ?
What does this word mean?
👉 See also: Pouvoir (to be able/can) »
⚠️ Je veux vs. je voudrais
It’s important to understand the difference between je veux (I want) and je voudrais (I’d like). While saying “I want” is sometimes acceptable in English, it can sound too direct in French — especially when speaking to strangers or ordering in a restaurant. The French much prefer je voudrais (conditional form), which is softer and more polite.
❌ Je veux un café — “I want a coffee” → considered impolite
✅ Je voudrais un café — “I’d like a coffee” → more polite
👉 This lesson covers je voudrais and this lesson covers je veux.
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👉 See also: vouloir conjugation in French (updated with audio)
🔗 Related words and expressions
- Vouloir bien — to be willing to
- En vouloir à quelqu’un — to be mad at someone / hold a grudge
- Il vaut mieux — it’s better to / it would be wiser to
- Un vœu — a wish
- La volonté — willpower / determination
- Capricieux / capricieuse — demanding / hard to please
Related lessons
👉 Vouloir conjugation chart »
👉 Que veux dire (What does _ mean?) »
👉 Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ? »
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