Souhaiter vs. désirer
The French words 'souhaiter' and 'désirer' both relate to the concept of wanting something, but they are used in slightly different contexts and convey different intensities of longing. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the appropriate word.
Souhaiter
'Souhaiter' is used for expressing a wish or hope for something, often in a polite or formal context. It is less intense than 'désirer'.
Je souhaite une bonne journée.
(I wish you a good day.)
Elle souhaite participer à la réunion demain.
(She wishes to participate in the meeting tomorrow.)
Nous souhaitons qu'il fasse beau ce weekend.
(We hope that the weather will be nice this weekend.)
Désirer
'Désirer' implies a stronger yearning or craving for something and is often associated with more intense emotions or physical desires.
Je désire te voir maintenant.
(I desire to see you now.)
Il désire posséder cette voiture.
(He desires to own that car.)
Elle désire devenir actrice un jour.
(She longs to become an actress one day.)
Summary
'Souhaiter' tends to be used for expressing hopes and polite requests, making it a common choice in formal conversations and greetings. In contrast, 'désirer' indicates a deeper longing or craving, making it suitable for expressions of strong wants or ambitions. While both can be translated to 'to wish' or 'to want', awareness of their intensity and context can guide proper usage.