How to Say ‘What Would You Like to Do’ in French: Formal and Informal Ways

Understanding the French Language: Variety in Everyday Expressions

When learning a new language, one of the most essential phrases to master is how to express personal preferences. In French, this translates to asking 'What would you like to do?' The correct way to ask this question varies depending on the formality of the situation and can be expressed in multiple ways. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these options.

Informal and Formal Options for Asking 'What Would You Like to Do'

There are three common ways to ask the question 'What would you like to do' in French, ranging from the least formal to the most formal. Let's explore these options and their usage scenarios.

Least Formal: 'Qu’est-ce que tu aimes faire'

This is the most informal way to ask the question. It is suitable for friends, peers, family members, or any casual setting. The literal translation is 'What do you like to do?' and it is pronounced as:

Ke-skeh too aim fair

More Formal: 'Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire'

This is the more formal version, used in situations where a respectful tone is required, such as with teachers, in advisory meetings, or with people you do not know well. It translates to 'What do you like to do?' and is pronounced as:

Ke-skeh vooz aim-ay fair

Most Formal: 'Quel aimez-vous faire'

The most formal way of asking the question involves inverting the verb and the pronoun, which is appropriate for formal settings such as speaking to professors, higher-ups, or anyone you would address formally. It translates to 'What do you like to do?' and is pronounced as:

Kell aim-ay voo fair

The word 'est-ce que' in French is a magical phrase that converts any sentence into a question. This is why you see it in the beginning of all these phrases. When you are asking about what one likes to do, you use 'quel' which becomes 'qu’est' in the first two options. This form is used to ask 'what' one likes to do.

Alternative Phrases

For different contexts or to add variety to your queries, you can use the following alternative phrases:

For Favorite Hobbies

If you want to know someone's favorite hobbies, you can use the term 'loisirs' which is the proper French term for hobbies. You can ask:

'Quels sont vos loisirs préférés'

This translates to 'What are your favorite hobbies?' and is pronounced as:

Kell sunt voo loh-reer pruh-fehr

For Casual Conversation

If you're in a casual setting and just want to know about someone's hobbies, you can use the anglicised version 'hobbies' though this is less formal:

'Quels sont tes hobbies'

Alternatively, you can use the phrase 'what do you like to do in your free time' which is a more common way to ask:

'Qu’est-ce que tu aimes faire pendant ton temps libre'

Or even:

'Qu’est-ce que tu aimes faire pendant tes loisirs'

For a more intense inquiry about one's passions, you can ask:

'Quelles sont tes passions' or 'Quel est ce qui te passionne'

Both of these translate to 'What are your passions?' and are pronounced as:

Kell sont tay pahs-sahn or Kell es se zhwee tuh passahn

Example Sentences

Let's create a few example sentences to better illustrate how to use these phrases:

Example 1

In a casual chat with a friend:

You: 'Qu’est-ce que tu aimes faire'

Friend: 'J’aime faire du sport et lire'

You: 'C’est génial! Que fais-tu ce week-end'

Example 2

During a teacher-student interaction:

You: 'Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire'

Teacher: 'Je préfère lire et méditer'

You: 'Merci, professeur! Quelles sont tes passions'

Conclusion

Mastering the art of asking questions in French, particularly about personal preferences, will help you communicate more effectively and engage in meaningful conversations. By knowing the right phrases and their appropriate contexts, you can express yourself clearly and respectfully in various situations. Whether you're just asking about someone's hobbies or seeking deeper insights into their interests, these phrases will serve you well.