This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #4,000 most common 12 min read

désirer

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips désirer in 30 Seconds

Explanation désirer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'vouloir' (to want). However, you might encounter 'désirer' in very basic service contexts. For example, a waiter might ask 'Vous désirez ?' which simply means 'What would you like?'. At this stage, you don't need to use it yourself in conversation, but you should recognize it as a polite way of asking for an order. It's a 'passive' vocabulary word for now. You might see it on simple signs or in basic dialogues in your textbook. Just remember that it's a regular verb ending in -er, so it follows the same patterns as 'parler' or 'habiter'. If you see 'Je désire une pomme', just think of it as a very polite 'I want an apple'. It's good to know, but don't worry about the deep emotional nuances yet. Focus on recognizing the sound and the basic meaning in a restaurant or shop setting.

By A2, you are starting to expand your vocabulary beyond the most basic needs. You'll notice that 'désirer' appears more often in formal letters or emails. If you are writing a polite request, you might use 'Je désirerais' (I would desire/like) to sound more respectful. You also start to learn about 'le désir' as a noun. You might encounter it in simple stories or descriptions of people's dreams and goals. At this level, you should be able to conjugate it in the present tense and understand it when it's followed by a noun or another verb. For example, 'Elle désire voyager' (She desires to travel). You are beginning to see the difference between a simple 'want' (vouloir) and a slightly more formal or heartfelt 'wish' (désirer). It's a great word to use to make your French sound a bit more 'polished' and less like a direct translation from English.

At the B1 level, 'désirer' becomes a key tool for expressing nuance. You are now expected to handle more complex social interactions, and 'désirer' is essential for this. You should use it to distinguish between mundane wants and significant aspirations. This is the level where you learn the idiom 'laisser à désirer' (to leave something to be desired), which is incredibly useful for giving feedback or opinions in a sophisticated way. You'll also use 'désirer' in the conditional mood ('je désirerais') to make polite suggestions or requests in professional environments. You are moving beyond the 'service' context and into the 'emotional' and 'abstract' contexts. You should be comfortable using it to describe your motivations in a job interview or your long-term goals in a personal essay. It helps you avoid repeating 'vouloir' and shows you have a grasp of French synonyms and registers.

At B2, you are expected to understand the subtle social and psychological implications of 'désirer'. You should be able to recognize when it is being used to imply romantic attraction versus when it is a formal request. In literature or news articles, you'll see it used to describe the collective desires of a population or the driving force behind a political movement. You should also be comfortable with its more advanced grammatical structures, such as using it in the subjunctive (though rare) or the passive voice. You can now compare and contrast 'désirer' with 'aspirer à', 'convoiter', or 'souhaiter' with precision. Your use of the word should feel natural, and you should know instinctively when 'vouloir' is too blunt and when 'désirer' is too formal. It’s about mastering the 'social dance' of the French language, where the choice of a verb can signal your level of education and your respect for the listener.

By C1, you are exploring the philosophical and literary depths of 'désirer'. You might analyze how the concept of 'le désir' is treated in French philosophy or classical theater. You understand that in a Racine play, 'désirer' carries a weight of destiny and tragic passion. In your own writing, you use the verb to create specific stylistic effects—perhaps using it to sound intentionally archaic, highly professional, or deeply intimate. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how that influences its modern 'feel'. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Tout ce que l'on pourrait désirer' (All that one could possibly desire), with perfect ease. At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it’s a conceptual tool that you use to navigate the highest levels of French discourse, from academic papers to high-stakes negotiations.

At the C2 level, your command of 'désirer' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it with total flexibility across all registers. You might use it in a legal context to describe the 'volonté' or 'désir' of a deceased person in a will, or in a poetic context to describe the 'désir' of the soul. You are a master of the word's prosody, knowing exactly how to stress it for emotional impact in a speech. You can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or in complex puns. You understand the most obscure idiomatic expressions and can even create your own based on the verb's deep semantic history. For you, 'désirer' is a fine-tuned instrument in your linguistic orchestra, used to express the most delicate shades of human intention, social etiquette, and existential longing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

désirer in 30 Seconds

Désirer is a formal and more intense version of the verb 'vouloir' (to want), used for deep aspirations or polite service.
It is a regular -er verb, conjugated like 'parler', but with a 'z' sound for the 's' between vowels.
Commonly heard in high-end restaurants ('Que désirez-vous ?') and used in the idiom 'laisser à désirer' to mean 'unsatisfactory'.
While it can mean romantic desire, it is also standard in business for polite requests in the conditional mood ('Je désirerais').

The French verb désirer is a versatile yet sophisticated term that translates primarily to 'to desire' or 'to wish for' in English. While it shares a common ancestor with the English word 'desire,' its usage in French spans a spectrum from high-end customer service to the deepest romantic longings. In everyday French, you might find people using the verb vouloir (to want) for mundane tasks, but désirer steps in when the sentiment is more refined, intense, or formal. It is an essential verb for learners reaching the B1 level because it allows for a more nuanced expression of intent and aspiration. Understanding when to use it versus its synonyms is key to mastering the 'polite' and 'elegant' registers of the French language.

Formal Service: In luxury hotels or fine dining establishments, staff will almost always use 'désirer' to ask what you would like. It elevates the interaction from a simple transaction to a curated experience.

Que désirez-vous comme boisson, Monsieur ? (What would you desire as a drink, Sir?)

Beyond the service industry, désirer is deeply rooted in the realm of human emotion. It describes a longing that is often more profound than a simple 'want'. When someone says they 'désirent' a change in life, it implies a heartfelt aspiration. It is also the standard verb used in romantic or sexual contexts, though it remains elegant rather than crude. In literature, you will find it frequently used to describe the motivations of characters who are driven by passion or ambition. It is a 'heavy' verb, carrying more weight than souhaiter (to wish), which can sometimes feel a bit more passive or detached.

Abstract Aspiration: It is used for non-tangible goals, such as peace, success, or happiness, where 'vouloir' might sound too demanding or simplistic.

Tout ce qu'il désire, c'est un peu de reconnaissance. (All he desires is a bit of recognition.)

Furthermore, the verb is often found in the negative to express a lack of interest or an unwanted situation. If something 'laisse à désirer' (leaves something to be desired), it means it is unsatisfactory. This idiomatic usage is extremely common in both spoken and written French to provide a polite yet firm critique. By using 'désirer' in this way, the speaker avoids being overly aggressive while still making their dissatisfaction clear. It is this balance of strength and politeness that makes the word so indispensable in the French vocabulary.

La propreté de cette chambre laisse à désirer. (The cleanliness of this room leaves much to be desired.)

Intense Passion: In romantic contexts, it signifies a strong attraction that goes beyond mere liking.

Il la désirait plus que tout au monde. (He desired her more than anything in the world.)

Il est important de désirer ce que l'on possède déjà. (It is important to desire what one already possesses.)

Grammatically, désirer is a regular -er verb, which makes its conjugation relatively straightforward for most learners. However, the complexity lies in the structures it governs. It can be followed by a direct object (a noun), an infinitive verb, or even a subordinate clause using the subjunctive, although the latter is less common than with 'vouloir'. When followed by an infinitive, you do not need a preposition like 'de' or 'à'. This 'direct' connection between the desire and the action makes the sentence feel more immediate and focused. For example, 'Je désire partir' (I desire to leave) is direct and grammatically clean.

Direct Object Usage: Using a noun immediately after the verb. This is very common in questions or formal requests.

Elle désire une réponse immédiate. (She desires an immediate answer.)

In the conditional mood, désirer becomes a very polite way to express a wish. 'Je désirerais' is the equivalent of 'I would like' but carries a slightly more formal tone than 'je voudrais'. This is particularly useful in business correspondence or when speaking to someone of higher status. It shows a level of respect and social awareness that 'vouloir' sometimes lacks. Additionally, when used in the passive voice—though rare—it can describe things that are sought after, such as 'un effet désiré' (a desired effect). This is common in technical or medical contexts.

The Conditional for Politeness: Softening a request or a wish to make it more palatable in social settings.

Nous désirerions obtenir plus d'informations. (We would desire to obtain more information.)

One must also be careful with the negation. 'Je ne désire pas' is a very clear, almost cold way of saying 'I do not want'. It can sound quite final. If a waiter asks 'Désirez-vous autre chose ?' (Do you desire anything else?) and you respond 'Je ne désire rien d'autre', you are using a very high-standard French. In casual settings, 'Je n'ai besoin de rien' or 'C'est bon, merci' would be more common. Using 'désirer' correctly is as much about social context as it is about grammar. It signals that you are a learner who understands the nuances of French social hierarchy and etiquette.

Ils ne désirent plus continuer cette collaboration. (They no longer desire to continue this collaboration.)

Infinitive Construction: When the subject of 'désirer' and the following action is the same.

Elle désire voyager à travers le monde. (She desires to travel across the world.)

Que désirez-vous faire maintenant ? (What do you desire to do now?)

In contemporary France, you are most likely to hear désirer in three specific environments: the service industry, literature/cinema, and formal administration. If you walk into a boutique on the Champs-Élysées or a Michelin-starred restaurant, the first question you hear will likely involve this verb. It is the gold standard for polite inquiry. The staff uses it to show that they are at your service, treating your 'wants' as 'desires' that they are eager to fulfill. This creates an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity that 'vouloir' simply cannot provide.

Luxury Retail: Sales associates use it to create a sense of importance for the customer.

Madame désire-t-elle essayer ce modèle en bleu ? (Does Madame desire to try this model in blue?)

In the world of French cinema and literature, désirer is the heartbeat of the narrative. French culture has a long history of exploring desire as a philosophical and emotional concept. Whether it's a classic novel by Flaubert or a modern film by Céline Sciamma, characters don't just 'want' things; they 'désirent' them. This usage highlights the internal struggle, the passion, and the often complex nature of human longing. For a learner, hearing this word in a movie often signals a moment of emotional depth or a turning point in a relationship. It is rarely used for trivial matters in these contexts.

Administrative Forms: Official documents often use 'désirer' to ask for your preferences or choices.

Veuillez cocher la case si vous désirez recevoir notre newsletter. (Please check the box if you desire to receive our newsletter.)

Finally, you will encounter the noun form, le désir, in intellectual discussions. French philosophy and psychoanalysis (think Lacan or Deleuze) revolve heavily around the concept of 'le désir'. While you might not be reading dense philosophy yet, you will hear people discuss 'leurs désirs' in talk shows or podcasts when talking about life goals, career changes, or personal growth. It is a word that suggests the speaker has reflected on what they truly want, rather than just reacting to a momentary impulse. In this way, désirer is a gateway to understanding the French emphasis on introspection and the complexity of the human psyche.

Il est difficile de définir ce que les gens désirent vraiment. (It is difficult to define what people truly desire.)

The 'Laisse à désirer' Idiom: Commonly heard in reviews, critiques, or when a parent is unhappy with a child's grades.

Ton attitude laisse à désirer ces derniers temps. (Your attitude leaves something to be desired lately.)

Un avenir désiré par tous. (A future desired by all.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with désirer is overusing it in casual situations. Because 'desire' is a bit formal in English, learners often assume désirer is always the 'polite' version of 'want'. While true, using it to ask for a glass of water at a friend's house can sound strangely dramatic or overly stiff. In a casual setting, 'Je voudrais' or 'J'aimerais' is much more natural. Using désirer for every 'want' can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel or a very confused waiter.

Register Mismatch: Using 'désirer' for trivial, everyday needs in informal settings.

Mistake: Je désire du sel. (Correct: Peux-tu me passer le sel ?)

Another common error is the 'preposition trap'. Many learners want to add 'de' before an infinitive, influenced by other verbs like 'décider de' or 'essayer de'. However, désirer is a semi-auxiliary verb in this context and takes the infinitive directly. Saying 'Je désire de partir' is a hallmark of a beginner. Remember: désirer + [verb] with nothing in between. This also applies to the negative: 'Je ne désire pas partir'. The structure remains clean and direct.

Pronunciation Pitfalls: Confusing the 'é' (closed e) with 'è' (open e) or failing to voice the 's'.

Correct: /de.zi.ʁe/ (The 's' sounds like 'z').

Finally, be cautious with the romantic connotation. While désirer is used for 'desiring' someone, if you use it in the wrong context, it can imply a sexual attraction you didn't intend. For instance, if you tell a coworker 'Je vous désire' when you mean 'I want your help', you will create a very awkward situation. In professional contexts, always stick to 'J'ai besoin de votre aide' or 'Je souhaiterais collaborer avec vous'. Désirer someone is almost always personal and physical. Use it with caution when referring to people!

Attention: 'Je te désire' means 'I desire you' (romantically/sexually).

Confusion with 'Souhaiter': Learners often use 'désirer' when they just mean 'to hope for' or 'to wish'. 'Souhaiter' is often better for polite well-wishes.

Better: Je vous souhaite une bonne journée. (I wish you a good day.)

Est-ce que vous désirez vraiment cela ? (Do you really desire that?)

To truly master désirer, you must understand its neighbors in the French semantic field of 'wanting'. The most common alternative is vouloir. While vouloir is about the will and the act of wanting, désirer is about the feeling and the aspiration. Another close relative is souhaiter (to wish). Souhaiter is often used for things that are out of our direct control or for polite social formulas. If you want a coffee, you voulez it; if you long for peace, you désirez it; if you hope your friend has a good trip, you souhaitez it.

Vouloir vs. Désirer: 'Vouloir' is the general verb for wanting. 'Désirer' is more intense, formal, or romantic.

Je veux manger. vs. Je désire le succès. (I want to eat vs. I desire success.)

For more specific contexts, you might use convoiter (to covet). This carries a negative or greedy connotation, usually referring to something that belongs to someone else. If you are looking at your neighbor's new car, you might convoiter it. On the other hand, aspirer à (to aspire to) is used for noble goals or career ambitions. It is even more formal than désirer and suggests a long-term effort toward a goal. 'Il aspire à devenir médecin' (He aspires to become a doctor) sounds very determined and focused.

Souhaiter vs. Désirer: 'Souhaiter' is lighter and more polite; 'Désirer' is deeper and more personal.

Je vous souhaite bonne chance. (I wish you good luck.)

In a literary or poetic context, you might encounter se languir de (to long for/pine for). This is much more dramatic than désirer and implies a state of suffering due to the absence of the desired thing. It's the kind of verb you'd find in a tragic love letter. Finally, réclamer (to demand/claim) is used when you feel you have a right to something. If you 'réclamez' justice, you aren't just desiring it; you are demanding it. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of wanting that fits your situation.

Elle aspire à une vie plus simple. (She aspires to a simpler life.)

Convoiter: Used when the desire is for something specific and perhaps slightly inappropriate or greedy.

Il convoitait le poste de son collègue. (He coveted his colleague's position.)

Tout ce qu'il désire, c'est être entendu. (All he desires is to be heard.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'sidere' (stars) is the same as in 'consider' (to look at the stars) and 'sidereal' (relating to stars). So, desiring something is etymologically linked to looking at the stars!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.zi.ʁe/

US /de.zi.reɪ/

The stress in French is generally on the final syllable: de-zi-RÉ.

Rhymes With

aimer manger parler chanter danser penser jouer trouver

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as 's' instead of 'z'. It should be voiced because it's between two vowels.
Pronouncing the 'é' like the English 'e' in 'pet'. It should be 'ay' like in 'play'.
Over-stressing the first syllable.
Adding a 'd' sound to the 'r'.
Confusing 'désirer' with 'dessiner' (to draw).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'desire'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of -er verb endings and the 'no preposition' rule before infinitives.

Speaking 3/5

The 'z' pronunciation and knowing the right social context are the main challenges.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though often spoken quickly in service contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vouloir souhaiter aimer parler manger

Learn Next

convoiter aspirer à exiger prétendre soupirer après

Advanced

le désir mimétique la pulsion l'inclination la volonté

Grammar to Know

Direct Infinitive

Je désire (ø) manger. (No 'de' or 'à').

Subjunctive with 'que'

Je désire qu'il vienne. (Requires subjunctive after 'que').

Conditional for Politeness

Je désirerais (Conditional) vs Je désire (Present).

Regular -er Conjugation

Je désire, Tu désires, Il désire, Nous désirons, Vous désirez, Ils désirent.

Position of Adverbs

Je désire ardemment. (Adverb usually follows the verb).

Examples by Level

Je désire un café.

I desire a coffee.

Simple present tense, formal.

Que désirez-vous ?

What do you desire?

Inversion used for a formal question.

Elle désire une glace.

She desires an ice cream.

Third person singular present.

Nous désirons partir.

We desire to leave.

Désirer followed by an infinitive.

Est-ce que vous désirez du pain ?

Do you desire some bread?

Standard question with 'est-ce que'.

Ils désirent un chat.

They desire a cat.

Third person plural present.

Tu désires quoi ?

You desire what?

Informal question structure using a formal verb.

Je ne désire rien.

I desire nothing.

Negative structure 'ne... rien'.

Je désirerais parler au directeur.

I would desire to speak to the director.

Conditional mood for politeness.

Elle désire apprendre le français.

She desires to learn French.

Désirer + infinitive.

Nous ne désirons pas de dessert.

We do not desire any dessert.

Negative with 'de' after the negation.

Désirez-vous un rendez-vous ?

Do you desire an appointment?

Formal inversion.

Il désire devenir un grand chef.

He desires to become a great chef.

Expressing a goal.

Est-ce que vous désireriez une autre chambre ?

Would you desire another room?

Conditional for a polite offer.

Ils désirent acheter une maison.

They desire to buy a house.

Désirer + infinitive.

Je désire simplement être heureux.

I simply desire to be happy.

Use of the adverb 'simplement'.

Le service dans cet hôtel laisse à désirer.

The service in this hotel leaves something to be desired.

Common idiom 'laisser à désirer'.

Je désirerais obtenir un remboursement.

I would desire to obtain a refund.

Formal polite request.

Elle désire ardemment réussir son examen.

She ardently desires to pass her exam.

Adverb 'ardemment' adds intensity.

Nous désirons que vous soyez présent.

We desire that you be present.

Désirer followed by 'que' and the subjunctive.

Il ne désire plus travailler pour cette entreprise.

He no longer desires to work for this company.

Negative 'ne... plus'.

Qu'est-ce que vous désirez comme changements ?

What do you desire as changes?

Asking for abstract desires.

Elle désire se consacrer à l'art.

She desires to devote herself to art.

Pronominal verb 'se consacrer' after désirer.

Ils désirent un avenir meilleur pour leurs enfants.

They desire a better future for their children.

Abstract direct object.

La qualité de l'air laisse vraiment à désirer en ville.

The air quality really leaves something to be desired in the city.

Idiom used in a social commentary context.

Il est naturel de désirer la reconnaissance de ses pairs.

It is natural to desire the recognition of one's peers.

Infinitive as a subject phrase.

Elle désirait secrètement changer de vie.

She secretly desired to change her life.

Imperfect tense for a continuous state.

Nous désirions vous informer de notre décision.

We desired to inform you of our decision.

Imperfect for a polite introductory phrase.

Tout ce qu'il désirait, c'était le calme.

All he desired was calm.

Relative clause 'tout ce qu'il désirait'.

Désirez-vous que nous passions par un intermédiaire ?

Do you desire that we go through an intermediary?

Subjunctive 'passions' after 'désirer que'.

Elle ne désirait nullement l'offenser.

She in no way desired to offend him.

Strong negative 'ne... nullement'.

Le résultat n'est pas celui que nous désirions.

The result is not the one we desired.

Relative pronoun 'que'.

L'œuvre laisse poindre le désir de l'auteur pour l'absolu.

The work reveals the author's desire for the absolute.

Noun form 'le désir' in a literary analysis.

Il désirait ardemment s'affranchir des conventions sociales.

He ardently desired to free himself from social conventions.

Literary verb 's'affranchir'.

Peu de gens désirent vraiment affronter la vérité.

Few people truly desire to face the truth.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Elle désirait qu'il comprît son silence.

She desired that he understand her silence.

Use of the imperfect subjunctive (literary).

Ce que l'on désire n'est pas toujours ce dont on a besoin.

What we desire is not always what we need.

Comparison between 'désirer' and 'avoir besoin'.

Il désirait plus que tout au monde retrouver sa terre natale.

He desired more than anything in the world to return to his native land.

Intense emotional expression.

La mise en scène laissait quelque peu à désirer.

The staging left somewhat to be desired.

Nuanced critique with 'quelque peu'.

Nous désirions vivement que cette collaboration porte ses fruits.

We strongly desired that this collaboration bear fruit.

Subjunctive 'porte' and adverb 'vivement'.

Le désir mimétique, tel que théorisé par René Girard, est au cœur de l'ouvrage.

Mimetic desire, as theorized by René Girard, is at the heart of the work.

Academic/Philosophical context.

Elle ne désirait rien tant que de s'évader de sa condition.

She desired nothing so much as to escape her condition.

Complex literary structure 'ne... rien tant que de'.

L'objet du désir se dérobe sans cesse à celui qui le poursuit.

The object of desire constantly eludes the one who pursues it.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

Il désirait que s'instaurât un dialogue véritable entre les nations.

He desired that a true dialogue be established between nations.

Imperfect subjunctive 's'instaurât' (very high register).

L'inconstance de ses désirs le rendait malheureux.

The inconstancy of his desires made him unhappy.

Plural noun 'désirs' referring to fleeting impulses.

Elle ne pouvait s'empêcher de désirer l'inaccessible.

She could not help but desire the inaccessible.

Structure 'ne pouvoir s'empêcher de'.

Une telle audace est plus à désirer qu'à craindre.

Such audacity is more to be desired than to be feared.

Passive-like infinitive construction.

Il désirait ardemment que justice fût faite.

He ardently desired that justice be done.

Pluperfect subjunctive equivalent/high literary style.

Common Collocations

ardemment désirer

laisser à désirer

effet désiré

objet désiré

que désirez-vous

désirer plus que tout

résultat désiré

désirer ardemment

tout ce qu'on désire

ne rien désirer

Common Phrases

Que désirez-vous ?

— What would you like? (Used by staff in shops/restaurants).

Bonjour Madame, que désirez-vous ?

Comme vous le désirez.

— As you wish/desire. (A very polite way to agree).

Nous ferons les changements comme vous le désirez.

Tout ce que vous désirez.

— Anything you want/desire.

Je ferai tout ce que vous désirez pour vous aider.

Si vous le désirez.

— If you wish/If you'd like.

Nous pouvons partir maintenant, si vous le désirez.

Rien à désirer.

— Nothing left to be desired (meaning it is perfect).

Cette soirée n'a rien à désirer.

Désirer la lune.

— To wish for the moon (to want something impossible).

Tu désires la lune si tu penses finir ce projet en une heure.

Se faire désirer.

— To play hard to get or to be late (making people wait).

Le soleil se fait désirer cet hiver.

Un enfant désiré.

— A wanted child (conceived by choice).

C'est un enfant très désiré.

Désirer le bien d'autrui.

— To wish for the well-being of others.

Il ne désire que le bien d'autrui.

Désirer ardemment le changement.

— To long for change passionately.

Le peuple désire ardemment le changement.

Often Confused With

désirer vs dessiner

Often confused by beginners because of the similar spelling. 'Dessiner' means to draw.

désirer vs déchirer

Sounds slightly similar but means 'to tear' or 'to rip'.

désirer vs décider

Means 'to decide'. Both are -er verbs but have different meanings.

Idioms & Expressions

"Laisser à désirer"

— To be unsatisfactory or not up to standard.

La propreté de la cuisine laisse à désirer.

neutral

"Se faire désirer"

— To take one's time in arriving or to intentionally make others wait to increase one's value.

La mariée se fait désirer.

neutral

"Désirer la lune"

— To want something completely unattainable.

Vouloir un vol gratuit pour demain, c'est désirer la lune.

informal

"Rien à désirer"

— To be perfect; to have nothing lacking.

Son appartement n'a rien à désirer.

formal

"L'objet du désir"

— The person or thing that is being longed for.

Cette voiture est son nouvel objet du désir.

neutral

"Le désir de plaire"

— The wish to be liked or to be attractive to others.

Elle est motivée par un fort désir de plaire.

neutral

"Au gré de ses désirs"

— According to one's whims or wishes.

Il vit au gré de ses désirs.

formal

"Désirer l'impossible"

— To want something that cannot happen.

Arrête de désirer l'impossible et concentre-toi sur le réel.

neutral

"Un désir refoulé"

— A repressed desire (psychological term).

Il lutte contre des désirs refoulés.

academic

"Prendre ses désirs pour des réalités"

— To engage in wishful thinking.

Tu penses qu'il va t'aider ? Tu prends tes désirs pour des réalités.

neutral

Easily Confused

désirer vs vouloir

Both mean 'to want'.

Vouloir is general and direct. Désirer is more formal, intense, or polite.

Je veux du pain (General). Je désire votre aide (Formal).

désirer vs souhaiter

Both express a wish.

Souhaiter is for lighter wishes or social formulas. Désirer is for deeper, personal longings.

Je souhaite qu'il pleuve (Hope). Je désire la paix (Deep longing).

désirer vs espérer

Both relate to the future.

Espérer is 'to hope' (expectation). Désirer is 'to desire' (will/feeling).

J'espère qu'il viendra (Expectation). Je désire qu'il vienne (My wish).

désirer vs avoir envie

Both mean 'to feel like'.

Avoir envie is casual and often for physical cravings. Désirer is more elevated.

J'ai envie de chocolat (Craving). Je désire le succès (Goal).

désirer vs convoiter

Both mean 'to want'.

Convoiter implies wanting something that isn't yours, often greedily.

Il convoite ma voiture (Greedy desire).

Sentence Patterns

S + désirer + Noun

Je désire un thé.

S + désirer + Infinitive

Elle désire partir.

S + désirerais (Conditional) + Infinitive

Je désirerais vous parler.

Noun + laisse à désirer

Le repas laisse à désirer.

Tout ce que + S + désirer, c'est...

Tout ce qu'il désire, c'est dormir.

S + désirer que + Subjunctive

Je désire que tu sois là.

Ne rien désirer tant que de + Infinitive

Elle ne désirait rien tant que de réussir.

S + désirer ardemment que + Subjunctive

Il désirait ardemment que justice fût faite.

Word Family

Nouns

le désir (desire)

la désirabilité (desirability)

le désidérata (requirements/wishes)

Verbs

désirer (to desire)

redésirer (to desire again - rare)

Adjectives

désirable (desirable)

désiré (desired)

indésirable (undesirable)

désireux (desirous/eager)

souhaiter

vouloir

convoiter

envie

aspiration

How to Use It

frequency

Common in service and formal writing; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Je désire de manger. → Je désire manger.
Désirer does not take a preposition before an infinitive.
Je désire vous. → Je vous désire.
Pronoun objects must come before the verb in French.
Using 'désirer' for a glass of water at a friend's house. → Je voudrais un verre d'eau.
Désirer is too formal for casual family/friend settings.
Pronouncing 'désirer' like 'dessiner'. → Pronounce the 'z' sound.
Confusing the two verbs changes 'desire' to 'draw'.
Je désire que tu vas. → Je désire que tu ailles.
'Désirer que' requires the subjunctive mood.

Tips

No Preposition

Always follow 'désirer' directly with the infinitive. 'Je désire apprendre' is correct. Adding 'de' is a common error.

Service Context

When a waiter asks 'Vous désirez ?', they are being very polite. Respond with 'Je voudrais...' for a natural balance.

Intensity

Use 'désirer' when you want to emphasize that your 'want' is a deep-seated goal or passion.

The 'Z' Sound

Make sure to voice the 's' as a 'z'. Practice saying 'de-ZEE-ray' to get it right.

Formal Emails

Switch from 'Je veux' to 'Je désirerais' in professional correspondence to immediately sound more advanced.

Feedback

Use 'laisse à désirer' to criticize something without being overly aggressive or rude.

Philosophy

Remember that 'le désir' is a big topic in France. Using the word shows you understand this cultural depth.

Vs Souhaiter

Use 'souhaiter' for 'I wish you a happy birthday' and 'désirer' for 'I desire success'.

Polite No

'Je ne désire rien' is very final and polite. Use it to end a sales pitch or a service interaction.

Romantic Warning

Be careful using 'désirer' with people names/pronouns to avoid unintended romantic implications.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Desiree' (a common name) who is very polite and always asks what you 'desire' in a fancy restaurant.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright star (sidere) in the night sky that you are reaching for. This connects to the etymology of looking at stars for what you want.

Word Web

vouloir souhaiter passion amour besoin rêve ambition choix

Challenge

Try to use 'désirer' instead of 'vouloir' three times today in formal or polite contexts.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'desiderare', which means 'to long for', 'to miss', or 'to regret the absence of'.

Original meaning: In Latin, it was originally an augural term (star-gazing), meaning 'to wait for what the stars will bring' or 'to miss the stars' (de-sidere).

Romance (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'Je te désire' with friends or colleagues, as it is almost exclusively romantic/sexual.

English speakers often use 'want' for everything. 'Désirer' helps you sound more polite and less demanding in French.

Un tramway nommé Désir (A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams, translated). Le Désir (a common title for French poems and songs). The works of Jacques Lacan on 'le désir'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Restaurant/Cafe

Que désirez-vous ?
Je désirerais l'addition.
Désirez-vous un café ?
Je ne désire rien d'autre.

Business Email

Je désirerais vous informer...
Nous désirons une réponse.
Si vous le désirez...
Comme vous le désirez.

Personal Goals

Je désire réussir.
Elle désire voyager.
Ils désirent le bonheur.
Je désire changer de vie.

Giving Feedback

Cela laisse à désirer.
Votre travail laisse à désirer.
La propreté laisse à désirer.
Le résultat laisse à désirer.

Romance

Je te désire.
Un désir profond.
L'objet de mon désir.
Désirer l'autre.

Conversation Starters

"Qu'est-ce que vous désirez accomplir cette année ?"

"Y a-t-il un pays que vous désirez visiter plus que tout ?"

"Que désirez-vous boire pour commencer le repas ?"

"Est-ce que vous désirez changer quelque chose dans votre routine ?"

"Quel genre de carrière désirez-vous poursuivre ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une chose que vous désirez ardemment obtenir dans le futur.

Pensez à un service qui a 'laissé à désirer' récemment. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ?

Quels sont les trois désirs les plus importants pour votre bonheur ?

Est-il plus important de désirer ce que l'on a ou d'obtenir ce que l'on désire ?

Écrivez sur un voyage que vous désirez faire depuis longtemps.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is very common in formal service (restaurants, shops) and business. However, when used with a person as the object ('Je te désire'), it is usually romantic or sexual.

It might sound a bit too formal or stiff. 'Vouloir' or 'Avoir envie de' is much more natural for family settings unless you are joking.

No. It is 'Je désire manger', not 'Je désire de manger'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

It means 'to be unsatisfactory'. For example, 'Son travail laisse à désirer' means 'His work is not good enough'.

Yes, especially in the conditional mood ('Je désirerais'). It shows a higher level of respect and social awareness.

It uses 'avoir' in the passé composé: 'J'ai désiré'. In the imperfect, it's 'Je désirais'.

'Le désir' is often deeper and more psychological. 'L'envie' can mean a casual 'feeling like' or it can mean 'envy' (jealousy).

Yes, it's a great word to use when talking about your professional aspirations or what you 'désirez' to bring to the company.

The spelling is 'désire' with an accent aigu on the first 'e'.

You can say 'Je ne désire rien d'autre, merci' in a restaurant.