French for Aspirations: Expressing Career Goals and Plans
Learn to talk about future work aspirations in French, using 'je veux' and 'j'aimerais' to say what you want to be or achieve.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In this lesson, you will learn how to express your career aspirations and future plans in French. Whether you want to say 'I want to be a doctor' or 'I'm aiming for a promotion,' you'll need specific phrases and structures. We'll focus on the verbs 'vouloir' (to want) and 'aimer' (to like) in the conditional, as well as 'avoir l'intention de' (to intend to). You'll practice talking about your professional goals, which is different from discussing study habits because it centers on future work. By the end, you'll be able to share your ambitions confidently in French.
By the end, you can…
- say what profession I want to pursue using 'je veux être' or 'j'aimerais être'.
- express my intention to get a promotion or change jobs using 'avoir l'intention de'.
- ask someone about their career aspirations.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je veux être médecin.
I want to be a doctor.
zhuh vuh zetr may-duhn
Use 'je veux' for a strong, direct desire. 'Médecin' is a gender-neutral noun: un médecin / une médecin.
J'aimerais devenir ingénieur.
I would like to become an engineer.
zheh-muh-reh duh-vuh-neer an-zheh-nyuhr
'J'aimerais' is more polite and softer than 'je veux'. Use it in formal or tentative contexts.
J'ai l'intention de demander une promotion.
I intend to ask for a promotion.
zheh lan-tahn-syon duh duh-mahn-deh ewn pro-mo-syon
'Avoir l'intention de' + infinitive expresses a planned intention. Common in professional settings.
Mon objectif est de devenir chef d'équipe.
My goal is to become a team leader.
mon ob-zhek-teef eh duh duh-vuh-neer shef deh-keep
'Mon objectif est de' is a formal way to state a goal. 'Chef d'équipe' is a common role in French companies.
Qu'est-ce que tu veux faire plus tard ?
What do you want to do later?
kess-kuh tyuh vuh fehr plew tar
A common question to ask about future plans. Use 'vous' in formal contexts: 'Qu'est-ce que vous voulez faire plus tard ?'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To express what you want to be or do, use 'vouloir' + infinitive: 'Je veux être avocat.' (I want to be a lawyer.) For a softer, more polite tone, use the conditional 'j'aimerais' + infinitive: 'J'aimerais travailler à l'étranger.' (I would like to work abroad.) To talk about intentions, use 'avoir l'intention de' + infinitive: 'J'ai l'intention de changer de travail.' (I intend to change jobs.) Note that 'être' and 'avoir' are irregular, but the pattern remains: subject + conjugated verb + infinitive.
When to use it
Use 'je veux' when you are determined or in casual conversation. Use 'j'aimerais' in formal situations, such as job interviews or when speaking to someone you don't know well. 'Avoir l'intention de' is neutral and often used in professional contexts to discuss plans. For example, in a meeting: 'J'ai l'intention de postuler pour le poste de directeur.' (I intend to apply for the director position.) Avoid using 'je veux' with superiors, as it can sound demanding; prefer 'j'aimerais' or 'je souhaiterais'.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Qu'est-ce que tu veux faire après tes études ?
What do you want to do after your studies?kess-kuh tyuh vuh fehr ah-preh teh zay-toodJ'aimerais devenir médecin, mais je dois d'abord réussir le concours.
I would like to become a doctor, but I first have to pass the competitive exam.zheh-muh-reh duh-vuh-neer may-duhn, meh zhuh dwa dab-or ray-oo-seer luh kon-koorEt toi, tu as l'intention de rester dans la même entreprise ?
And you, do you intend to stay in the same company?eh twa, tyuh ah lan-tahn-syon duh res-teh dahn la mem ahn-truh-preezNon, j'ai l'intention de demander une promotion ou de changer de poste.
No, I intend to ask for a promotion or to change positions.non, zheh lan-tahn-syon duh duh-mahn-deh ewn pro-mo-syon oo duh shahn-zheh duh postA little context goes a long way
In French professional culture, expressing aspirations directly with 'je veux' can be seen as too blunt. Using 'j'aimerais' or 'je souhaiterais' shows politeness and respect, especially with superiors. In Quebec, 'je veux' is more commonly used in casual speech, but the conditional remains safer in formal settings. Additionally, discussing career goals openly is generally acceptable in France, but modesty is valued; avoid boasting.
One thing to watch for
Using 'je veux être un médecin' instead of 'je veux être médecin'.
Try this instead: In French, professions are used without an article after 'être': 'Je veux être médecin.' Not 'un médecin'. However, if the profession is modified, an article is needed: 'Je veux être un médecin respecté.' (I want to be a respected doctor.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I would like to become a teacher' in French?
Show a sample answer
J'aimerais devenir professeur.
'J'aimerais' is the conditional of 'aimer', used for polite desires. 'Devenir' means 'to become'. 'Professeur' is used without an article. Alternative: 'Je voudrais devenir professeur' is also correct.
2Translate: 'She intends to ask for a raise.'
Show a sample answer
Elle a l'intention de demander une augmentation.
'Avoir l'intention de' + infinitive expresses intention. 'Une augmentation' means a raise. Note the use of 'de' before the infinitive.
3What is a more polite alternative to 'Je veux changer de travail'?
Show a sample answer
J'aimerais changer de travail.
Using 'j'aimerais' softens the request. 'Je souhaiterais' is even more formal. All are valid depending on context.
Use 'je veux' for strong desires, 'j'aimerais' for polite wishes, and 'avoir l'intention de' for planned intentions. Remember to drop the article before professions after 'être'.
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