Hi. How can I tell the difference between 'aimer' & 'plaire'?

LyndenB2Kwiziq community member

Hi. How can I tell the difference between 'aimer' & 'plaire'?

This question relates to:French lesson "to like/love"
Asked 6 years ago
RonC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Bonjour Lynden, Alors, when someone says, for example, "J'aime beaucoup de fleurs" that is saying the person like flower a lot. However, when someone says, Le chien me plaît beaucoup, that is saying that the dog pleases him/her a lot. Plaire is somewhat of a more passive expression to me. It can also translate as "something gives you pleasure." Votre question me plaît beaucoup. Ron
AurélieKwiziq team member
Bonjour Lynden (and Ron) ! Little note for Ron first: you would say "J'aime beaucoup les fleurs". -> "J'aime beaucoup de fleurs" means "I like a lot *of* flowers" As for the difference between "aimer" and "plaire", it's mostly an issue of structure, as Ron pointed out, but the meaning is quite similar when it comes to things: "J'aime ces tableaux." = "Ces tableaux me plaisent." = I like these paintings. However, be aware that using "plaire" with people implies that you find them attractive: "Paul me plaît." = I find Paul attractive. For more information on these nuances, please see our related lessons: Expressing you like something/someone in French with the verb "plaire" Aimer = to love, like something/someone in French I hope that's helpful! À bientôt !
RonC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Merci, Aurélie
LyndenB2Kwiziq community member
Merci beaucoup Ron et Aurelie. Very helpful.

Hi. How can I tell the difference between 'aimer' & 'plaire'?

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