Description
Learn how to talk about hobbies and preferences in French using aimer, adorer, and ne pas aimer. Perfect for A1–A2 learners and TEF Canada.
Introduction: How to Talk About Hobbies in French
Today, you are going to learn how to talk about hobbies and preferences in French, a key skill for A1–A2 learners and TEF Canada.
If you want to:
- talk about what you like
- express your opinions
- describe your free time
you must master French hobbies and preferences structures.
This lesson will help you:
- use aimer, adorer, ne pas aimer correctly
- talk about activities and interests
- build natural A1+ sentences
- improve your TEF speaking
1. How to Express Preferences in French
To talk about your likes and dislikes, use:
Structure
aimer / adorer / ne pas aimer + noun or verb
Examples
- J’aime le sport
- J’adore la musique
- Je n’aime pas le café
- J’aime regarder des films
2. Talking About Activities (Important)
You can express preferences with verbs.
Structure
aimer + infinitive
Examples
- J’aime regarder des films
- J’aime écouter de la musique
- J’aime jouer au football
3. Talking About Nouns (Articles Matter)
When using nouns, you must use articles.
Examples
- J’aime le sport
- J’adore la musique
- Je n’aime pas le café
Articles are always required in French.
4. Add Reasons (A2 Level Upgrade)
To sound more natural, explain why.
Structure
parce que + reason
Examples
- J’aime le sport parce que c’est bon pour la santé
- J’adore la musique parce que c’est relaxant
TEF Tip
At A2 level, always try to:
- give a reason
- extend your answer
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- J’aime sport (incorrect)
- Je aime (incorrect)
- J’aime regarde (incorrect)
Correct forms:
- J’aime le sport (correct)
- J’aime (correct) (with elision)
- J’aime regarder (correct)
6. TEF Canada Strategy (Very Important)
In TEF Canada, French hobbies and preferences are very common.
You may be asked:
- Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire ?
High-Scoring Answer
- J’aime le sport
- J’adore la musique
- J’aime regarder des films
- Parce que c’est intéressant
Keep your answer:
- simple
- clear
- with a reason
7. Practice Now (A1–A2 Level)
To improve your French hobbies and preferences:
- Write 3 things you like
- Write 1 thing you don’t like
- Add a reason
8. Mini Speaking Task (TEF Style)
Answer:
Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire ?
Model:
Bonjour, j’aime le sport.
J’adore la musique.
J’aime regarder des films parce que c’est intéressant.
Continue Learning French
Now that you can talk about hobbies and preferences, continue with:
FAQ
How do you say “I like” in French?
J’aime.
How do you say “I don’t like” in French?
Je n’aime pas.
Can you use verbs after aimer?
Yes, use the infinitive (e.g., aimer regarder).
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. Preferences are a common speaking topic.
Final Tip
If you master French hobbies and preferences, you will:
- express your opinions clearly
- speak more naturally
- improve your TEF Canada score



