Meaning
Informal verb meaning to really like or love something/someone.
Cultural Background
In France, 'kiffer' is the king of informal verbs. It's used by everyone from suburban youth to 'Bobos' (bourgeois-bohemians) in Paris. It's a symbol of how 'Argot' has become the standard informal language. While 'kiffer' is understood in Quebec due to French media, it is much less common. Quebecers are more likely to use 'triper' or 'aimer' with a strong accent. In Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, the root 'kif' is still used in its original sense of 'pleasure' or 'mood'. The French 'kiffer' is sometimes seen as a 'return' of the word in a new form. In cities like Abidjan or Dakar, 'kiffer' is very popular among youth, often mixed with local languages like Wolof or Nouchi slang.
The 'Grave' Rule
If you want to sound 100% native, always add 'grave' after 'kiffer'. 'Je kiffe grave !' is the gold standard of casual French.
Watch the 'Vous'
If you are using 'vous' with someone, you probably shouldn't be using 'kiffer'. They belong to different worlds.
Meaning
Informal verb meaning to really like or love something/someone.
The 'Grave' Rule
If you want to sound 100% native, always add 'grave' after 'kiffer'. 'Je kiffe grave !' is the gold standard of casual French.
Watch the 'Vous'
If you are using 'vous' with someone, you probably shouldn't be using 'kiffer'. They belong to different worlds.
Social Media King
Use 'kiffer' in your Instagram comments to show you're part of the French-speaking digital world.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kiffer' in the present tense.
Mes amis et moi, nous _______ grave ce nouveau restaurant.
The subject is 'Mes amis et moi' (Nous), so the ending is -ons.
Which sentence is correct in a casual setting?
How would you tell a friend you loved their party?
'Kiffer' is a direct verb (no 'de') and 'soirée' is feminine.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang term.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau Marvel ? B: Ouais, je l'ai ________, les effets spéciaux sont incroyables !
'Surkiffé' expresses the high level of enthusiasm typical for a blockbuster movie.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Match 'C'est un pur kiff !'
'Un pur kiff' describes a moment of intense physical or mental pleasure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kiffer vs Aimer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMes amis et moi, nous _______ grave ce nouveau restaurant.
The subject is 'Mes amis et moi' (Nous), so the ending is -ons.
How would you tell a friend you loved their party?
'Kiffer' is a direct verb (no 'de') and 'soirée' is feminine.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau Marvel ? B: Ouais, je l'ai ________, les effets spéciaux sont incroyables !
'Surkiffé' expresses the high level of enthusiasm typical for a blockbuster movie.
Match 'C'est un pur kiff !'
'Un pur kiff' describes a moment of intense physical or mental pleasure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's not vulgar, but it is very informal. It's safe to use with friends, but not in a courtroom!
Yes! 'Je te kiffe' means 'I'm into you' or 'I really like you'.
'Surkiffer' is just 'kiffer' on steroids. It's for when you absolutely love something.
It's mostly a France thing. In Quebec or Belgium, it's understood but used less frequently.
No. It's 'Je kiffe [something]'. No 'de' needed.
It started that way, but now people in their 40s and 50s use it too in casual settings.
You can say 'Je kiffe pas trop' or 'Je kiffe pas du tout'.
The noun is 'un kiff'. Example: 'C'est mon kiff'.
Yes, it's perfect for texting! You can even shorten it to 'kiff'.
In 99% of contexts, no. The drug association is historical and mostly forgotten by modern speakers.
It's right in the middle. It's stronger than 'like' but less formal than 'love'.
Absolutely. 'Je kiffe {le|m} dessin' is very natural.
Related Phrases
Surkiffer
specialized formTo love something even more than 'kiffer'.
Un kiff
builds onA pleasure or a 'trip'.
Kiffant
builds onEnjoyable or cool.
Aimer
synonymTo like or love.
Adorer
similarTo adore.
Kiffer grave
specialized formTo really, really like.
