Because they look similar, people often assume they mean the same thing… but that’s not entirely true.
Why do I need to know envie?
This French word has many different definitions and it’s also a faux-ami.
What does it mean?
The feminine noun envie roughly pronounced an-vee, means to want, to feel like, to be in the mood for – its most common definition.
Along the same lines, it can be used to describe a craving: j’ai une forte envie de chocolat – I have a strong craving for chocolate.
It can also mean a strong urge, often bodily: j’ai une envie pressante d’aller aux toilettes – I really need to use the toilet.
The word envie is used to qualify motivation or drive: elle a très envie de voyager – She really wants to travel.
It can also mean jealousy – just like the English word envy – which is where the confusion may come from. It is used in a more literary, formal way: Il regardait le gagnant avec envie – He looked at the winner with envy. But in every day speech, you wouldn’t use the word envie but rather replace it with the word jalousie (jealousy).
There are also a few French expressions that have the word envie.
For example mourir d’envie, translating literally to “dying of desire”. This idiom is used when you want to express a strong desire for something: je meurs d’envie de partir à la mer – I’m dying to go to the seaside.
You will sometimes hear the expression des envies de femmes enceinte which translates to “pregnancy cravings”. But even if someone is not pregnant they might use the expression to exaggerate a craving.
The word envie can also be used in a sexual manner, expressing strong desire for someone, avoir envie de quelqu’un (to want someone sexually): j’ai envie de toi – I want you.
Use it like this
J’ai très envie d’un café. – I really want a coffee.
Ses photos me donnent envie de partir en vacances ! – His pictures make me want to go on holiday!
J’ai une soudaine envie de vomir. – I have a sudden need to vomit.
