French for English speakers Clothes · Lesson 1

What would you like?

Express preferences in French — Je préférerais un chemisier (I'd rather a blouse) — with the conditional of préférer.

Conversation

  1. Rose Rose

    Voudriez-vous un t-shirt ?

    Would you like a t-shirt?

  2. Yaya Yaya

    Non, je préférerais un chemisier.

    No, I'd rather a blouse.

  3. Rose Rose

    Très bien. Et quel genre de jupe aimeriez -vous ?

    Great. And what kind of skirt would you like?

  4. Yaya Yaya

    Une jupe plutôt formelle, pour le bureau.

    A quite formal one, for the office.

    Tip: <plutôt> = rather

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I prefer' in French?

Je préfère + noun/infinitive: je préfère un chemisier. Conditional: je préférerais = 'I'd rather'.

T-shirt vs chemisier?

Un t-shirt = casual cotton t-shirt. Un chemisier = blouse (typically women's, dressier). Un chemise = button-down shirt (typically men's).

How do you decline politely in French?

Non merci (no thanks) or Non, je préfère... (no, I'd rather...). Always soften with a follow-up to avoid bluntness.

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