Aimer que/détester que + the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) = to like/hate that in French

Written by Qualified French Expert Aurélie Drouard HKH, Licence d'anglais LLCE

Last updated: 2023-03-22

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In French, to express you like or dislike something, you can use the verbal expressions "aimer que" and "détester que".

Using "aimer/détester que" in French

Look at these expressions of like and dislike:

J'aime que tu sois si attentif.I like that you are so attentive.

Elle déteste qu'il prenne son temps quand elle est en retard.She hates that he takes his time when she's late.

Nous ne détestons pas que vous nous apportiez le petit-déjeuner au lit.We don't dislike that you bring us breakfast in bed.

La maîtresse n'aime pas que les élèves ne fassent pas attention.The teacher doesn't like that the pupils don't pay attention.

Nous détesterions qu'il disparaisse ...We would hate for him to disappear ...

J'aimerais que tu sois plus gentil avec ma mère.I would like you to be nicer with my mother.

Note that aimer que and détester que are followed by Mode subjonctif, in BOTH affirmative and negative sentences.

ATTENTION:

This is in contrast to expressions of opinion in French (penser que, trouver que, savoir que, croire que) which are only followed by the Subjonctif when used in the negative form but the Indicatif when used in the affirmative form.

"Penser/trouver/savoir/croire/prétendre que" are followed with the indicative mood (L'Indicatif) in affirmative sentences BUT with the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) in negative ones

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Examples and resources

Tu aimes que j'aie acheté cette robe?You like that I bought that dress?

Mon patron n'aime pas que je sois souvent en retard.My boss doesn't like that I am often late.