Aimer + Infinitive vs Aimer + Noun

In English, we say "I like cheese" or "I like to swim." French follows a similar logic but is a bit more formal about its "bodyguards." When you use aimer with a noun, that noun almost always needs a bodyguard—which we call a definite article. These are le, la, l', or les. Nouns are never "naked" in French when you talk about likes and dislikes. On the flip side, when you use aimer with another verb (an action), the second verb stays in its "pajamas"—the infinitive form. This is the base form of the verb, like manger or danser. The best part? You do not need any extra words like "to" (no de, no à) between them. It is a direct connection from your heart to the action.

1. 1Setting this up is as easy as making a sandwich. Just follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Conjugate the verb aimer to match the person speaking. For example, Je becomes J'aime (notice the contraction because aimer starts with a vowel!).
3. 3For a Noun: Add the correct definite article (le, la, l', or les) followed by the object. Think: J'aime + le + chocolat.
4. 4For a Verb: Simply add the infinitive form of the action right after aimer. Think: J'aime + voyager.
5. 5Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes by trying to add extra prepositions, but you will know better! Just remember: Aimer + Article + Noun OR Aimer + Infinitive.

You will use this pattern constantly in daily life. Use it when you are ordering food and want to mention your favorites. Use it in job interviews to talk about what you enjoy doing in a professional setting. Use it when meeting new people to share your hobbies. It is perfect for talking about general preferences. For example, if you want to say you like movies in general, you use J'aime le cinéma. If you want to say you like watching them, you use J'aime regarder des films. It is the bread and butter of French conversation. Think of it as your primary tool for building a personality in your new language.

There are a few "no-go" zones for this rule. First, do not use this structure if you are trying to say you "love" a person in a romantic way—aimer by itself with a person usually means "to love," which might be a bit much for a first date! (Usually, aimer bien is safer for friends). Second, avoid adding prepositions like de or à after aimer. While other French verbs like essayer or apprendre need them, aimer is a "direct" verb. It likes to be close to its partner. Also, do not use partitive articles like du or de la when expressing a general like. You don't like "some" chocolate; you like chocolate as a whole category! So, stick to le, la, and les.

The most frequent glitch is the "Missing Bodyguard." Learners often say J'aime pizza instead of J'aime la pizza. It sounds a bit like Tarzan speaking to a French person! Another classic is the "Preposition Trap." Many English speakers want to translate "I like to dance" literally as J'aime à danser or J'aime de danser. In French, the two verbs just sit side-by-side: J'aime danser. Finally, watch out for the double conjugation. Only the first verb (aimer) gets changed. The second one stays in its original -er, -ir, or -re form. Don't say J'aime je mange; say J'aime manger. Think of aimer as the engine and the second verb as the trailer—the engine does the work, the trailer just follows.

You might wonder how aimer differs from adorer or préférer. The mechanics are actually identical! J'adore le café and J'adore boire du café follow the exact same logic. The only difference is the intensity. Aimer is a solid "I like," while adorer is "I love/adore." If you want to say you like something "well enough" or "quite a bit" without it being too romantic, you can use aimer bien. For example, J'aime bien ce film (I quite like this movie). Another contrast is with détester. Just like aimer, it takes the definite article for nouns: Je déteste le froid. It is a very consistent family of verbs, so once you master aimer, you've mastered about five other verbs for free!