avoir besoin de / avoir envie de

Question

I recently did the lesson on "avoir envie de" (https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/avoir-envie-de-to-express-to-feel-like-to-want?rts=%252Fsearch%253Fs%253Denvie), which includes as an example "J'ai envie d'aller aux toilettes". I used this phrase in this exercise and was marked wrong. Was it correct? Are there any guidelines for which "need" phrase is most appropriate for a given situation?

Accepted Answer

Hi Carolyn,
We have added the option 'avoir envie d'aller aux toilettes' to the possibilities so thank you for pointing this out.
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

Hi Carolyn,I would expect if someone needs the toilet then the situation is pressing.The English above uses the word "needs" and that provides the clue to the French.To use "avoir envie de" does not express the "need" nor the potential urgency - this expresses quite a mild desire."avoir besoin de" is the most appropriate term to employ in this situation because the "need" is clearly expressed.Hope this helpsBonne continuation,Jim

Answer

As a self-marked exercise, you decide if the answer is correct or not. ‘J’ai envie d’aller aux toilettes ‘ is perfectly acceptable in this context, and regularly used colloquially. It should be on accepted list if it isn’t already. No ‘need’ to mark yourself down on this one.