Conditional for wishes and dreams

In English, we use the word "would" to create this feeling. In French, we change the ending of the verb itself. It is like adding a special filter to your words. This filter softens the blow of your request. It also signals that you are talking about something that isn't real yet. Maybe it is a dream of living in a castle. Maybe it is just a wish for a glass of water. Either way, the conditional tells your listener that you are being polite or imaginative. It relies heavily on the letter r. If you hear a strong r followed by a soft vowel sound, you are likely hearing the conditional. It is a very musical part of the language. It flows better than the direct present tense.

1. 1Creating the conditional is actually quite logical. It is like building a Lego set with two main pieces. You need a base and an ending. For most verbs, the process follows these steps:
2. 2Start with the infinitive of the verb. This is the full form like aimer or manger.
3. 3If the verb ends in e, like boire, drop that final e first.
4. 4This is now your "stem." It always ends in r.
5. 5Add the specific conditional endings. These are the same as the "imparfait" endings.
6. 6Here are the endings you need to memorize:
7. 7je -> -ais (sounds like "eh")
8. 8tu -> -ais (sounds like "eh")
9. 9il/elle/on -> -ait (sounds like "eh")
10. 10nous -> -ions (sounds like "ee-on")
11. 11vous -> -iez (sounds like "ee-ay")
12. 12ils/elles -> -aient (sounds like "eh")
13. 13Wait, did you notice something? Yes, four of those endings sound exactly the same! French loves to keep you on your toes like that. Even native speakers have to check their spelling sometimes. For A1, focus on Je voudrais (I would like) and J'aimerais (I would love/wish). These are your two most important tools.

The conditional is your best friend in three main scenarios. First, use it for politeness. When you are at a restaurant or a shop, use Je voudrais. It is the gold standard for ordering food or asking for a ticket. Second, use it for wishes. If you are looking at a travel brochure, you might say J'aimerais visiter le Japon. It shows a desire that isn't a solid plan yet. Third, use it for dreams. This is for the big stuff. "I would like to be a pilot" or "I would love to live by the sea." It is the tense of the "what if." Think of it like a grammar traffic light. The present tense is green (go/certain). The conditional is a soft amber (maybe/polite).

Don't use the conditional for things that are definitely happening right now. If you are currently eating an apple, use the present tense: Je mange une pomme. Don't use it for facts either. "The sun is hot" doesn't need a "would." It just is. Also, be careful not to use it when you are 100% sure about a future plan. If you have already bought your plane tickets, use the future tense or the present. The conditional is for the "maybe" and the "please." If you use it for everything, you might sound like you are living in a permanent daydream. Your boss might wonder if you are actually going to finish that report or just "wish" to finish it.

The biggest trap is forgetting the r. Without the r, you are often just using the present tense or a messy version of another tense. For example, J'aime means "I like." J'aimerais means "I would like." That little r does a lot of heavy lifting. Another mistake is mixing up the endings. Some people try to use the present tense endings with the conditional stem. That is like putting bike tires on a Ferrari. It just won't run. Finally, watch out for irregular stems. While aimer is easy, vouloir becomes voudr-. You can't just say vouloirais. That sounds a bit like a cat coughing. Stick to the common irregulars first. They are the ones you will use the most anyway.

Let's compare the Conditional to the Present Tense.

Present: Je veux un café. (I want a coffee). This is direct. It is okay with friends, but a bit blunt with strangers.

Conditional: Je voudrais un café. (I would like a coffee). This is the polite version. It opens doors and gets you better service.

Now, let's look at the Future Tense.

Future: Je voyagerai. (I will travel). This is a promise or a plan.

Conditional: Je voyagerais. (I would travel). This is a dream or a possibility.

See the difference? One is a map; the other is a postcard from your imagination.